Comparison of air bikes and their effect on selected physiological parameters

Abstract

The air bike has become a widespread cardio machine used by the general population and performance athletes. The individual types have a different construction design, and the firmware for exporting information is not unified either. The aim of the research was to compare three air bikes (Assault, Echo, Beast) in a similar price relation using physiological responses, RPE, and exported data. The research group consisted of 10 physically active men (26.7 years). All completed a test protocol on each air bike, containing three parts with different intensity requirements. Air bikes varied in distance traveled and calorie value. In contrast, physiological parameters did not show a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05). The design of selected air bikes (especially the flywheel size) and firmware can decide on the exported values on the tachometer and are not entirely transferable between machines. Even so, they serve a purpose in terms of load on the body and are equally suitable for fitness training or sports training. It was original research, and the results need to be confirmed.