Open J Public Health | Volume 1, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Effect of Bicycle Riding on the Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index of a Rural Community in North Central Nigeria

Agofure Otovwe1*, Okandeji-Barry Rume Oghenenioborue1 , Ume Ignatius S2 and Lugard Joseph Bijimi1

1Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University, Ogume, Nigeria 2Department of Intelligence and Security Studies, Novena University Ogume, Nigeria

*Correspondance to: Agofure Otovwe 

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Abstract

Physical activity in form of exercise is of benefit to many organs and systems in the body. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of bicycle riding on the blood pressure and body mass index of a rural community in Andaha metropolis of Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental study was carried out among 63 purposively selected males who met the inclusion criteria. A questionnaire, aneroid sphygmomanometer, weighing scale and measuring tape were used to collect the data. Bicycle riding significantly reduced the mean baseline BMI from 20.9378 Kg/m2 to 20.1394 Kg/m2 after day 6 of physical activity with a positive correlation. In the same vein, the bicycle riding significantly reduced the mean baseline SBP from 104.6828 mmHg to 103.6406 mmHg. Furthermore, the DBP was also significantly reduced from a baseline of 72.6406 mmHg to 71.6563 mmHg. Conclusion: The study highlighted the positive effect of physical activity both on the body mass index and the blood pressure of the participants. Therefore physical activity in the form of bicycle riding should be encouraged among communities nationwide.

Keywords:

Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Physical activity; Bicycle riding

Citation:

Otovwe A, Rume Oghenenioborue O-B, Ume Ignatius S, Joseph Bijimi L. Effect of Bicycle Riding on the Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index of a Rural Community in North Central Nigeria. Open J Public Health. 2019;1(1):1005.

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