Development of Bi-modal exercise bicycle for physical fitness and rehabilitation

Abstract

Exercise bicycles are used for kinesiological activities; to increase general fitness, and for training for cycling events. They are also used for weight loss. The aim of this study is to produce a special exercise bike which allows for both upper and lower limbs pedalling either independently or otherwise. The manufacturing processes employed in the design involved the use of AutoCAD design suite and other production engineering processes which included material selection and acquisition, cutting, welding and drilling. The device was tested for both comfort and effectiveness for cardiac rehabilitation using the rate of heartbeat as the test parameter. A strong positive correlation was found (p<0.001; r=0.962) between the two heart rate tests. An ergonomic evaluation of the bi-modal exercise bike showed 98% suitability of the seat-pedal height with the knee height of the study population and 100% suitability of the seathandle post height with the buttock-knee length of the population. In conclusion, the goal of developing a bi-modal exercise bike that permits simultaneous upper and lower limbs pedalling was realised.

Design of Exercise Device for Older Adults

“…To identify existing needs regarding the device to be developed, the recommendations of the Kinesiologist who is part of the project researchers were considered, along with the theoretical information reviewed on the benefits of pedaling in older adults [20] and the traditional structure of pedaling devices [21] . The needs raised in some of the background information reviewed [9] [10] [13] [14] [17] were also important support.…”

“…Focusing on device design, Fidelis et al [9] designed and built a prototype 'bimodal' exercise bike for joint or independent upper and lower body exercise (Figure 1); its comfort, functionality, and ergonomics were evaluated. Ahmed (2012) [10] developed a device to exercise arms and legs, with low-cost manufacturing, easy maintenance, and repair (Figure 2a); Belli and Fanget [11] developed a cycloergometer for elderly people (Figure 2b), including its physiological and biomechanical evaluation.…”

“…Although the options shown are available in the market, this work seeks to design an exercise machine FIGURE 1. Prototype 'bimodal' exercise bike [9] . Cycloergometer [11].…”