This systematic and bibliometric review synthesizes current knowledge of the relationship between cycling, renal and urological health. A comprehensive search of databases from 2000 to 2023 yielded 38 relevant studies. Bibliometric analysis revealed research trends, key institutions, authors, and countries that contributed to this field. This review discusses the benefits and risks associated with cycling. Benefits included improved cardiovascular health and metabolic function. However, cycling was also associated with urological symptoms, particularly in women, and with risks of erectile dysfunction and genital numbness in both genders. Mountain biking demonstrated higher rates of scrotal pathologies. Saddle design, riding position, and cycling intensity significantly influenced perineal pressure and potential urological issues. Renal biomarkers indicated dehydration, muscle damage, and potential renal insufficiencies in cyclists, especially after prolonged and intense activity. Elevated inflammatory markers and reduced glomerular filtration rates were observed post-cycling. Sodium intake and L-tryptophan supplementation demonstrated positive effects on fatigue reduction and recovery. The review identified research gaps, including limited long-term studies and inconsistent methodologies. Future research should focus on the relationship between high-volume cycling and prostate cancer risk, optimizing bicycle design to reduce urological issues, and developing reliable methods to measure saddle pressure effects on renal health. This review provided valuable insights for cyclists, health professionals, and researchers, emphasizing the need for awareness of potential health impacts and the importance of proper equipment and techniques to minimize risks while maximizing cycling benefits.
BiddleSJHAsareM. Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: a review of reviews. Br J Sports Med2011; 45: 886–895.
2.
HallalPCVictoraCGAzevedoMR, et al. Adolescent physical activity and health: a systematic review. Sports Med2006; 36: 1019–1030.
3.
PelusoMAMGuerra de AndradeLHS. Physical activity and mental health: the association between exercise and mood. Clinics (Sao Paulo)2005; 60: 61–70.
4.
LeylandL-ASpencerBBealeN, et al. The effect of cycling on cognitive function and well-being in older adults. PLoS One2019; 14: e0211779.
5.
PeruzziMSanasiEPingitoreA, et al. An overview of cycling as active transportation and as benefit for health. Minerva Cardioangiol2020; 68: 81–97.
6.
AndersonCCClarksonDEHowieVA, et al. Health and well-being benefits of e-bike commuting for inactive, overweight people living in regional Australia. Health Promot J Austr2022; 33(Suppl 1): 349–357.
7.
OjaPTitzeSBaumanA, et al. Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scand J Med Sci Sports2011; 21: 496–509.
8.
CheringtonM.Hazards of bicycling: from handlebars to lightning. Semin Neurol2000; 20: 247–253.
9.
DillJ.Bicycling for transportation and health: the role of infrastructure. J Public Health Policy2009; 30(Suppl 1): S95-110.
10.
EdwardsRDMasonCN.Spinning the wheels and rolling the dice: life-cycle risks and benefits of bicycle commuting in the U.S. Prev Med2014; 64: 8–13.
11.
Rojas-RuedaDde NazelleATainioM, et al. The health risks and benefits of cycling in urban environments compared with car use: health impact assessment study. BMJ2011; 343: d4521.
12.
FraserSDSLockK. Cycling for transport and public health: a systematic review of the effect of the environment on cycling. Eur J Public Health2011; 21: 738–743.
13.
FrissE.Cycling Pathways: The Politics and Governance of Dutch Cycling Infrastructure, 1920-2020 by Henk-Jan Dekker (review). Technol Cult2022; 63: 880–881.
14.
LinderSMBischof-BockbraderADavidsonS, et al. The utilization of forced-rate cycling to facilitate motor recovery following stroke: a randomized clinical trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair2024; 38: 291–302.
15.
Bueno-AntequeraJMayolas-PiCReverter-MasiàJ, et al. Exercise addiction and its relationship with health outcomes in indoor cycling practitioners in fitness centers. Int J Environ Res Public Health2020; 17: 4159.
16.
FariaEWParkerDLFariaIE.The science of cycling: physiology and training—part 1. Sports Med2005; 35: 285–312.
17.
RobertsDAgebergEAnderssonG, et al. Effects of short-term cycling on knee joint proprioception in healthy young persons. Am J Sports Med2003; 31: 990–994.
18.
Graham-BrownMPMMarchDSYoungR, et al. A randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of intra-dialytic cycling on left ventricular mass. Kidney Int2021; 99: 1478–1486.
19.
ColombiniACorsettiRGrazianiR, et al. Evaluation of creatinine, cystatin C and eGFR by different equations in professional cyclists during the Giro d’Italia 3-weeks stage race. Scand J Clin Lab Invest2012; 72: 114–120.
20.
ColombiniACorsettiRMarcoM, et al. Serum creatine kinase activity and its relationship with renal function indices in professional cyclists during the Giro d’Italia 3-week stage race. Clin J Sport Med2012; 22: 408–413.
21.
McDermottBPSmithCRButtsCL, et al. Renal stress and kidney injury biomarkers in response to endurance cycling in the heat with and without ibuprofen. J Sci Med Sport2018; 21: 1180–1184.
22.
JungleeNADi FeliceUDolciA, et al. Exercising in a hot environment with muscle damage: effects on acute kidney injury biomarkers and kidney function. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol2013; 305: F813-820.
23.
Rojas-ValverdeDSánchez-UreñaBPino-OrtegaJ, et al. External workload indicators of muscle and kidney mechanical injury in endurance trail running. Int J Environ Res Public Health2019; 16: 1–13.
24.
Rojas-ValverdeDMartínez-GuardadoISánchez-UreñaB, et al. Outpatient assessment of mechanical load, heat strain and dehydration as causes of transitional acute kidney injury in endurance trail runners. Int J Environ Res Public Health2021; 18: 10217.
25.
DettoriJRKoepsellTDCummingsP, et al. Erectile dysfunction after a long-distance cycling event: associations with bicycle characteristics. J Urol2004; 172: 637–641.
26.
Rojas-ValverdeDOlcinaGSánchez-UreñaB, et al. Proteinuria and bilirubinuria as potential risk indicators of acute kidney injury during running in outpatient settings. Medicina (Mex)2020; 56: 562.
27.
Rojas-ValverdeDSánchez-UreñaBCroweJ, et al. Exertional rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury in endurance sports: a systematic review. Eur J Sport Sci2020; 0: 1–14.
28.
DettoriJRKoepsellTDCummingsP, et al. Erectile dysfunction after a long-distance cycling event: associations with bicycle characteristics. J Urol2004; 172: 637–641.
29.
HollingworthMHarperAHamerM.An observational study of erectile dysfunction, infertility, and prostate cancer in regular cyclists: cycling for health UK study. J Mens Health2014; 11: 75–79.
30.
DonthuNKumarSMukherjeeD, et al. How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: an overview and guidelines. J Bus Res2021; 133: 285–296.
31.
MoherDShamseerLClarkeM, et al. Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Syst Rev2015; 4: 1.
32.
HanJKangH-JKimM, et al. Mapping the intellectual structure of research on surgery with mixed reality: Bibliometric network analysis (2000–2019). J Biomed Inform2020; 109: 103516.
33.
ChurrucaKPomareCEllisLA, et al. The influence of complexity: a bibliometric analysis of complexity science in healthcare. BMJ Open2019; 9: e027308.
34.
VermaSGustafssonA.Investigating the emerging COVID-19 research trends in the field of business and management: a bibliometric analysis approach. J Bus Res2020; 118: 253–261.
35.
CoboMJLópez-HerreraAGHerrera-ViedmaE, et al. An approach for detecting, quantifying, and visualizing the evolution of a research field: a practical application to the Fuzzy Sets Theory field. J Informetr2011; 5: 146–166.
36.
DonthuNReinartzWKumarS, et al. A retrospective review of the first 35 years of the International Journal of Research in Marketing. Int J Res Mark2021; 38: 232–269.
37.
BakerHKKumarSPandeyN.Forty years of the Journal of Futures Markets: a bibliometric overview. J Futur Mark2021; 41: 1027–1054.
38.
Marín SuelvesDRamón-Llin MasJ. Educación física e inclusión: un estudio bibliométrico. Apunts Educ Física Deport2021; 17–26.
39.
Araya-CastilloLHernández-PerlinesFMillán-ToledoC, et al. Bibliometric analysis of studies on family firms. Econ Res-Ekon Istraživanja2022; 35: 4778–4800.
40.
BorgohainDJVermaMKNazimM, et al. Application of Bradford’s law of scattering and Leimkuhler model to information science literature. Collnet J Scientometr Inf Manag2021; 15: 197–212.
41.
LotkaAJ.The frequency distribution of scientific productivity. J Wash Acad Sci1926; 16: 317–323.
42.
CrespoNSimoesN.Publication performance through the lens of the h-index: how can we solve the problem of the ties?Soc Sci Q2019; 100: 2495–2506.
43.
Uribe-TorilJRuiz-RealJLHaba-OscaJ, et al. Forests’ first decade: a bibliometric analysis overview. Forests2019; 10: 72.
44.
BondaniniGGiorgiGAriza-MontesA, et al. Technostress dark side of technology in the workplace: a scientometric analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health2020; 17: 8013.
45.
KoupparisAMehmiARavaM, et al. Cycling and men’s health: a worldwide survey in association the Global Cycling Network. J Clin Urol2020; 13: 371–377.
46.
BaradaranNAwadMGaitherTW, et al. The association of bicycle-related genital numbness and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score: results from a large, multinational, cross-sectional study. BJU Int2019; 124: 336–341.
47.
E BritoDVPereira-LourençoMPereiraJA, et al. Erectile function in amateur cyclists. Arch Ital Urol Androl2022; 94: 232–236.
48.
MitterbergerMPinggeraGMNeuwirtH, et al. Do mountain bikers have a higher risk of scrotal disorders than on-road cyclists?Clin J Sport Med2008; 18: 49–54.
49.
GaucklerPKesenheimerJSKronbichlerA, et al. Edema-like symptoms are common in ultra-distance cyclists and driven by overdrinking, use of analgesics and female sex—a study of 919 athletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr2021; 18: 73.
50.
GaitherTWAwadMAMurphyGP, et al. Cycling and female sexual and urinary function: results from a large, multinational, cross-sectional study. J Sex Med2018; 15: 510–518.
51.
GreenbergDRKhandwalaYSBreyerBN, et al. Genital pain and numbness and female sexual dysfunction in adult bicyclists. J Sex Med2019; 16: 1381–1389.
52.
HermansTJNWijnRPWFWinkensB, et al. Urogenital and sexual complaints in female club cyclists—a cross-sectional study. J Sex Med2016; 13: 40–45.
53.
LuiHMmonuNAwadMA, et al. Association of bicycle-related genital numbness and female sexual dysfunction: results from a large, multinational, cross-sectional study. Sex Med2021; 9: 100365.
54.
AwadMAGaitherTWMurphyGP, et al. Cycling, and male sexual and urinary function: results from a large, multinational, cross-sectional study. J Urol2018; 199: 798–804.
55.
CarpesFPDagneseFKleinpaulJF, et al. Bicycle saddle pressure: effects of trunk position and saddle design on healthy subjects. Urol Int2009; 82: 8–11.
56.
CarpesFPDagneseFKleinpaulJF, et al. Effects of workload on seat pressure while cycling with two different saddles. J Sex Med2009; 6: 2728–2735.
57.
SanfordTGadzinskiAJGaitherT, et al. Effect of oscillation on perineal pressure in cyclists: implications for micro-trauma. Sex Med2018; 6: 239–247.
58.
BredaGPiazzaNBernardiV, et al. Development of a new geometric bicycle saddle for the maintenance of genital–perineal vascular perfusion. J Sex Med2005; 2: 605–611.
59.
SommerFSchwarzerUKlotzT, et al. Erectile dysfunction in cyclists: is there any difference in penile blood flow during cycling in an upright versus a reclining position?Eur Urol2001; 39: 720–723.
60.
SommerFKönigDGrafC, et al. Impotence and genital numbness in cyclists. Int J Sports Med2001; 22: 410–413.
61.
DressendorferRHPetersenSRLovshinSEM, et al. Mineral metabolism in male cyclists during high-intensity endurance training. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab2002; 12: 63–72.
62.
BjurlinMAZhaoLCGobleSM, et al. Bicycle-related genitourinary injuries. Urology2011; 78: 1187–1190.
63.
NeumayrGPfisterRHoertnaglH, et al. The effect of marathon cycling on renal function. Int J Sports Med2003; 24: 131–137.
64.
NeumayrGPfisterRHoertnaglH, et al. Renal function and plasma volume following ultramarathon cycling. Int J Sports Med2005; 26: 2–8.
65.
VentaRCruzEValcárcelG, et al. Plasma vitamins, amino acids, and renal function in postexercise hyperhomocysteinemia. Med Sci Sports Exerc2009; 41: 1646–1651.
66.
CorsettiRBarassiAPeregoS, et al. Changes in urinary amino acids excretion in relationship with muscle activity markers over a professional cycling stage race: in search of fatigue markers. Amino Acids2016; 48: 183–192.
67.
LippiGBanfiGLuca SalvagnoG, et al. Comparison of creatinine-based estimations of glomerular filtration rate in endurance athletes at rest. Clin Chem Lab Med; 46: 235–239.
68.
TouchberryCDErnstingMHaffG, et al. Training alterations in elite cyclists may cause transient changes in glomerular filtration rate. J Sports Sci Med2004; 3: 28–36.
69.
CappuccilliMMosconiGRoiGS, et al. Inflammatory and adipose response in solid organ transplant recipients after a marathon cycling race. Transplant Proc2016; 48: 408–414.
70.
CappellinEDe PaloEFGattiR, et al. Effect of prolonged physical exercise on urinary proANP1-30 and proANP31-67. Clin Chem Lab Med2004; 42: 1058–1062.
71.
De Yzaguirre MauraIJavierre GarcésCLizarraga DalloA, et al. Experimental principal component analysis of fatigue in cyclists who have taken an oral L-tryptophan supplement. Apunts Med Esport2019; 54: 55–64.
72.
SandersBNoakesTDDennisSC.Sodium replacement and fluid shifts during prolonged exercise in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol2001; 84: 419–425.
73.
LombardiGCorsettiRLanteriP, et al. Reciprocal regulation of calcium-/phosphate-regulating hormones in cyclists during the G iro d’ I talia 3-week stage race. Scand J Med Sci Sports2014; 24: 779–787.
74.
SakaTSofikerimMDemirtasA, et al. Rigorous bicycling does not increase serum levels of total and free prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the free/total PSA ratio, gonadotropin levels, or uroflowmetric parameters. Urology2009; 74: 1325–1330.
75.
MachadoJCQVolpeCMOVasconcellosLS, et al. Quantification of NGAL in urine of endurance cycling athletes. J Phys Act Health2018; 15: 679–682.
76.
De PaloEFGattiRLancerinF, et al. Urinary insulin-like growth factor-I measurement in an actual sport competition, an additional approach in laboratory antidoping tests. Clin Chim Acta2005; 351: 73–78.
77.
TaylorJAKaoT-CAlbertsenPC, et al. Bicycle riding and its relationship to the development of erectile dysfunction. J Urol2004; 172: 1028–1031.
78.
ScheerVTillerNBDoutreleauS, et al. Potential long-term health problems associated with ultra-endurance running: a narrative review. Sports Med2022; 52: 725–740.
