Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT01708356

Cycling, Air Pollution and Health

Introduction: Cycling is currently promoted at the municipal, provincial and national level as a form of active transportation that increases physical activity while at the same time reducing traffic congestion, traffic-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While at a population level the health benefits of exercise via cycling are estimated to substantially exceed any health impacts related to air pollution exposure and injuries from traffic accidents , cyclists are known to experience elevated exposures to traffic-related air pollutants. Combined with exposure to elevated concentrations of air pollutants, cyclists also are subject to substantially increased inhaled doses due to their level of exertion and consequently increased inhalation rate. Therefore, given that cyclists experience exposures to relatively high concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants and that their inhalation of these pollutants is increased, it is important to evaluate the potential health impacts of this scenario. Research on the potential health impacts related to exercise (cycling) and urban air pollution exposure can help inform public communication strategies related to air quality and its health impacts. In addition, as our previous work suggests substantial variability in air pollution exposures to cyclists that is related to the route type and the levels of traffic along cycling routes, there is potential for transportation planners to promote increased cycling by enhancing infrastructure while at the same time developing routes that also minimize exposure to air pollution. The cyclist population is also interested in information regarding the air pollution exposures and potential health impacts related to cycling.

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between traffic-related air pollution exposure, and respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts in commuting cyclists. Specifically, the investigators propose to:

1. determine commuting cyclists' exposure to traffic-related air pollutants (PM 2.5, PM10, ultrafine particulate, black carbon) while cycling along two different bicycle routes in the city of Vancouver; 2. estimate the pollutant dose received by each cyclist, and relate this to the health effects observed; and 3. determine if there is a change in lung function, endothelial function, and C-reactive protein level related to the level of air pollution exposure and dose

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Endothelial Dysfunction Behavior Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena Endothelial Function Inflammation Motor Activity Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Age range

19 year–39 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Air Pollution Exposure Lab, Vancouver General Hospital through the School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 19- 39
  • male or female
  • able to bicycle comfortably on city streets for 1 hour

Exclusion criteria

  • Smokers of any substance (smoking more than 1x every 2 weeks)
  • Must be of height to safely ride a test bike (<5'2", >6'5" )
  • Diagnosed asthma or active allergy (hav fever) symptoms
  • Irregular menstrual cycle, pregnant, breastfeeding, non-monocyclic contraceptive medication or device
  • Taking medication for heart or lung condition
  • Answers yes to any questions on physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q)
  • requires pain medication daily
  • visual or hearing impairment that prevents safe cycling on streets with motor vehicles

Treatment and study plan

Cycling on a residential route

Behavioral

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in endothelial function, as measured by peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT) score of reactive hyperemia index (RHI)

    Time frame: Baseline (1 hour pre-expousre) and 1 hour post- exposure (plus or minus 30 minutes) to a bicycle ride in an urban environment outdoors

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in lung function (using spirometry to assess lung function values)

    Time frame: Baseline (1 hour pre-exposure) and 1 hour post- exposure (plus or minus 30 minutes) to a bicycle ride in an urban environment outdoors

Other outcomes

  1. Change in blood levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of systemic inflammation)

    Time frame: Baseline (1 hour pre-exposure) and 1 hour post- exposure (plus or minus 30 minutes) to a bicycle ride in an urban environment outdoors

  2. Change in blood levels of Interleukin-6 (a marker of systemic inflammation)

    Time frame: Baseline (1 hour pre-exposure) and 1 hour post- exposure (plus or minus 30 minutes) to a bicycle ride in an urban environment outdoors

  3. Change in blood levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)(a marker of oxidative stress)

    Time frame: Baseline (1 hour pre-exposure) and 1 hour post- exposure (plus or minus 30 minutes) to a bicycle ride in an urban environment outdoors

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of British Columbia

Other

Registry information

Acronym: CAPaH

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2011
Study completion
2011
First posted
Oct 16, 2012
Registry last updated
Oct 16, 2012

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.