Effect of a Bicycling Unit on the Fitness of Middle School Students

Authors

  • Cathy D. Lirgg University of Arkansas
  • Dean R. Gorman University of Arkansas
  • Michael D. Merrie University of Arkansas
  • Atyh A. Hadadi University of Arkansas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2018-V75-I2-7786

Keywords:

cycling, fitness, middle school

Abstract

Many physical educators today are teaching lifetime sports, including outdoor activities such as cycling. Even though cycling is a low impact exercise that aids stamina and fitness, little is known about additional benefits in other areas including agility, balance, and explosive power. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if there are physical benefits (i.e., static balance, explosive leg power, agility) to students participating in a single bicycling unit in physical education (PE) class. Middle school students in the treatment school rode bicycles during their PE classes for 2 months. Students in the control school did not have access to bicycles during PE classes. Before the bicycle unit began, students in both schools were measured on stork stand with eyes closed, vertical jump, and agility. Students in the treatment school then participated in PE classes that included a bicycling unit, whereas the control school students participated in PE classes that did not include bicycling. Pretest scores were used as covariates, and results showed that students in the treatment group scored higher than students in the control group at posttest on all three tests. Although many schools have begun using lifetime activities in their PE classes, the results suggest that these activities not only may be fun for students but also will help them experience fitness benefits.

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Author Biographies

Cathy D. Lirgg, University of Arkansas

Associate Professor

Dept of Health, Human Peformance, and Recreation

Dean R. Gorman, University of Arkansas

Professor

Dept of Health, Human Peformance, and Recreation

Michael D. Merrie, University of Arkansas

Doctoral Student

Dept of Health, Human Peformance, and Recreation

Atyh A. Hadadi, University of Arkansas

Doctoral Student

Dept of Health, Human Peformance, and Recreation

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Published

2018-03-12

Issue

Vol. 75 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Articles

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