Cycling is not just a way to exercise the body, but it can also have significant benefits for mental health, according to a new scientific review.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (“A scoping review of bicycling interventions’ impacts on psychological, social, affective, and cognitive well-being“), examined 87 different studies from 19 countries examining how cycling affects mood, thinking, and psychology.
The results show that cycling – whether outdoors or on a stationary bike – is often associated with:
– Better mood
– Fewer symptoms of depression
– Better concentration and memory
– Increased sociability
The researchers observed that the greatest benefits occur when cycling is done outdoors and on a regular basis, over weeks or months, and not just in isolated workouts.
Cycling not only helps through exercise, but also through contact with nature, social activity and the idea of achieving a goal.
The research examined more than 1,600 scientific papers, but ultimately included 87 that met the strict criteria. Many of these were short studies, which means that more research is needed to see the long-term effect.
Another important finding is that almost all studies that examined the social dimension of cycling recorded positive results, showing that exercising in a group setting can boost psychology.
However, scientists emphasize that most of the research has been done in controlled conditions and not in everyday life, while data on different populations is lacking.
In conclusion, the evidence suggests that regular cycling, especially outdoors, can contribute positively to mental health and social well-being, although longer studies are needed for more certain conclusions.
