The Study of the Health Effects of Exercise on the Elderly by Using a Stationary Bicycle to Generate Electricity

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the effectiveness of using a stationary bicycle generator for electricity production as a means of exercise for the elderly. The study aims to examine its positive impact on physical fitness and overall health in older adults. A Convergent Mixed-Methods Design was employed, combining a quasi-experimental study with qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews. The study involved the sample group of 88 elderly participants, 40 participants were divided into the experimental group and 48 participants were divided into the comparison group. Research instruments included the stationary bicycle to generate electricity, a blood pressure monitor, a digital watch, and structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that, after a 12-week trial period, the mean scores for physical fitness and health indicators significantly differed (p < .001), with the experimental group showing better physical fitness and health status compared to the control group. Additionally, participants reported that their self-worth in being able to exercise and their motivation to generate electricity for cooking rice encouraged them to engage in sustained physical activity. This study highlights the benefits of exercise in the experimental group compared to non-exercise conditions. The results can be appropriately applied to aging societies in the current era.