As National Bike Month unfolds, advocates of cycling extol its virtues with fervor. For Brooks Boliek, 65, a seasoned cyclist who once commuted to work on two wheels, cycling is more than just a pastime; it’s his “longevity drug.”
A plethora of evidence underscores the manifold health benefits of cycling, ranging from fortifying the immune system to enhancing longevity. A recent study sheds light on yet another advantage: individuals who regularly engage in cycling are markedly less prone to osteoarthritis and knee pain by the age of 65 compared to non-cyclists.
Conducted with the support of the National Institutes of Health, the study, published in the esteemed peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, enlisted approximately 2,600 participants, averaging 64 years of age. Subjects were queried about their lifetime physical activity, with researchers conducting knee joint X-rays to assess signs of arthritis.
Dr. Grace Lo of Baylor College of Medicine, the study’s lead author, elucidates, “Bicyclers were 21% less likely to exhibit X-ray evidence and symptoms of osteoarthritis compared to non-cyclists.”
Dr. Lo expresses surprise at the robustness of the findings, given the diverse participant pool, which comprised individuals ranging from their mid-40s to octogenarians, all with elevated risks of knee arthritis due to factors such as weight, familial predisposition, or past injuries.
While the study cannot establish causality, being an observational endeavor focusing on osteoarthritis at a single time point, its findings, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, validate healthcare providers’ advocacy for cycling and other low-impact exercises.
Matt Harkey, an assistant professor at Michigan State University and co-author of the study, underscores cycling’s low impact and its role in fortifying knee-supporting musculature. He explains how the rhythmic motion of pedaling facilitates the circulation of synovial fluid, crucial for joint lubrication and shock absorption.
Though various exercises promote health, cycling appears particularly adept at safeguarding joints. Norman Lazarus, a professor emeritus at King’s College London in his late 80s and still an avid cyclist, affirms the study’s results, noting the inherent risks of cycling, including injury. He emphasizes the importance of proper technique and bike fitting, especially for older riders, who face increased injury risks.
Despite associated risks, research underscores cycling’s role in longevity. Dr. Lo cites a study demonstrating a 22% lower premature mortality rate among individuals cycling for one hour weekly, particularly significant for those without diabetes.
For Boliek, cycling isn’t just about fitness—it’s a source of joy and purpose. “I’m very goal oriented,” he says, relishing the daily rides that keep him motivated and invigorated.
With a sense of purpose propelling him forward, Boliek epitomizes the enduring allure of cycling—a pursuit that not only sustains cardiovascular health and muscular strength but also imbues life with vitality and meaning.