Gaby
Here’s another reason to consider biking to the office. Those who prefer this eco-friendly mode of transportation tend to take fewer sick days.
In a study conducted by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, researchers analyzed annual data from 28,485 public servants. They examined the relationship between the type of transportation used by participants and the number of days they spent on sick leave. The scientists accounted for various potential factors influencing illness statistics, such as gender, age, alcohol consumption, and socio-economic status.
Compared to commuting by public transport, biking at least 61 kilometers a week was associated with an 8-12 percent reduction in sick leave frequency. Cyclists took 18 percent fewer sick days than their colleagues.
Essi Kalliolahhti, a health researcher and the lead author of the study, noted that previous research has already established the benefits of biking to work for overall health and the environment. However, the connection between using this active form of transportation and absenteeism due to illness had not been studied until now.
The study reaffirmed that maintaining physical activity is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Those who engage in regular exercise are less likely to develop many common illnesses.
Researchers also found that biking to work is even more effective than walking in reducing sick days. The team suggested that walking may not engage the body as intensely as biking does.
As the scientists pointed out, not everyone considers biking as a viable transportation option. This is partly due to the stress it can cause, especially in large cities, as reported by Science Alert.
Meanwhile, those who prefer biking not only show up to work more often but also help protect the environment from harmful emissions.
“Considering that only half of the adult population engages in sports, biking or walking to the office is a great way to increase physical activity,” said epidemiologist Jenni Ervasti, a co-author of the study. According to her, the findings serve as a kind of encouragement for an active lifestyle.
The conclusions of the study were published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.
