Effectiveness of cycle fit, a 6-week training program for novice cyclers, on increasing physical activity: a controlled study.

Introduction: In the Netherlands, National Sports Federations were funded to develop “easily accessible” sporting programs aimed at inactive population groups. Cycle Fit, a 6-week training program for novice cyclers (i.e. mountain biking, race cycling), developed by the Dutch Cycle Federation, is one of these programs. In this study, the effects of Cycle Fit on physical activity were investigated. Methods: Physical activity levels of Cycle Fit participants were assessed by means of the SQUASH questionnaire at baseline, immediately after completing the program and six months after baseline. A control group, matched for age and sex, was assessed at baseline and after six months. Compliance with Dutch physical activity guidelines was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were the total time spent in physical activity and the time spent in each physical activity intensity category. Changes in physical activity within groups were tested with paired t-tests and McNemar tests. Changes between groups were examined with multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. Results: In the Cycle Fit group, the percentage of people who met Dutch physical activity guidelines increased significantly. In the control group, no significant changes in physical activity were observed. When comparing results between groups, Cycle Fit significantly affected the percentage of people meeting the Fit-norm and the time spent in vigorous-intensity activities. Discussion: The results of the current study show that an easily accessible sporting program can influence physical activity behavior of participants positively. The role of sporting organizations in promoting physical activity should therefore be further explored.