What's Happening?
A recent study conducted by researchers from Canada and France has revealed that a strap-on vibrating device can significantly reduce the perceived effort of cycling workouts. The study involved 15 healthy young volunteers who participated in cycling sessions at a lab. During these sessions, participants cycled at two different intensities: one perceived as moderately difficult and another as highly intense. The researchers introduced a vibrating device attached to the participants' Achilles and knee tendons, which was activated for 10 minutes before cycling. The results showed that the vibration increased the participants' power output and heart rates, allowing them to push harder while maintaining the same perceived effort level. This suggests
that the device could make workouts feel easier, potentially encouraging more consistent physical activity.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study are significant as they address a common barrier to regular exercise: the high perceived effort. In the United States, a sedentary lifestyle is a major public health issue, with only a small percentage of adults and adolescents meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity. By reducing the perceived difficulty of exercise, the vibrating device could help more people engage in regular workouts, thereby improving public health outcomes. Increased physical activity is linked to a lower risk of various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The study's implications suggest that innovative approaches like tendon vibration could play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles.
What's Next?
The researchers plan to further investigate how tendon vibration affects brain activity during exercise and explore the relationship between pain, fatigue, and perceived effort. These future studies aim to deepen the understanding of how the brain evaluates effort and reward during physical activity. While the current study focused on short cycling exercises, the researchers hope to expand their research to other forms of exercise and longer durations. The ultimate goal is to develop effective strategies that encourage more people to maintain regular physical activity, thereby enhancing overall health and well-being.
