The Transfer Effects of Stationary Bicycle Perturbation Training on Older Adults' Cycling Skills and Behavior (BiPerAge): a Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

• Applicant: Dr. Robert Kob, since 12/2023
• Subject Area: Biogerontology and Geriatric Medicine
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530457399

Regular cycling promotes health, mobility and independence into old age. However, the risk of older adults being injured or killed in a bicycle accident increases significantly due to the age-related decline of physical function (coordination, balance control). To counteract this trend, targeted cycling-related interventions for older adults with challenging balance training are urgently needed – but so far hardly feasible under “real world” conditions for safety reasons. Recently, the Perturbation Stationary Bicycle Robotics (PerStBiRo) system was developed by the Israeli project partner to provide motor learning and balance training in a seated position. It consists of a stationary bicycle mounted on a moving platform and a motor that provides unannounced perturbations. This innovative system makes it possible for the first time to simulate challenging balance loss situations while cycling under safe conditions (trainees wear a safety harness). To verify the transfer effect of cycling interventions, the German project partner established a standardized cycle course displaying traffic-related motor competences (e.g. turning left, getting on and off the bike, turning to the left side) The proposed randomised controlled trial with a duration of 36 months will primarily investigate whether training on the PerStBiRo system improves the cycling competence of older adults in daily traffic situations. We aim to enroll 127 community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older living in the area of Nürnberg (Germany, n=70) and in Beer-Sheva region (Israel, n=57) who 1) feel unsteadiness while cycling or uptaking cycling after a long break and 2) have objectively measured unsteadiness while cycling (≥3 errors in cycle course performance). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (PerTSBR – training on PerStBiRo system with pertubations) or the active control group (TSBR – training on PerStBiRo system without pertubations) with a ratio of 1:1, stratified by sex and study center. The cycling competence as primary outcome will be tested single blinded in a standardized cycle course prior (T0) and after (T1) the 3 months intervention period, which consists of variant tasks requiring motor skills related to traffic situations in daily life (e.g. riding curves, mounting/dismounting, turning to the left side). To investigate the primary objective, regression analyses with difference of errors in the cycle course [relative difference (T1-T0)/T0] as dependent variable and group (PerTSBR vs TSBR) as independent variable adjusted for sex and study center will be performed. Furthermore, we will explore on a secondary level whether the PerTSBR-training leads to long-term effects (8 months) on cycling competence and whether psychological parameters are affected by the intervention.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel
• International Co-Applicant: Professor Dr. Itshak Melzer
• Ehemalige Antragstellerin: Dr. Hanna Maria Siebentritt, until 12/2023