We use the stationary bike when it’s just too cold to go outside for an hour to walk. That happens some, but even in the winter, we found out we can really bundle up and take a walk. The fresh air is amazing. We even found it was easier to walk for an hour in the winter than it is on the hottest summer days. Those were wretched.
I do think the bike is a good workout, and different, but I’m not certain it helps with balance as much as walking or hiking. I wonder why the study didn’t mention the bike exercise as an option.
I had double knee replacement surgery about ten years ago and have found that the stationary bike is best for me. Could be that walking prevents dementia and biking does not, but I don’t want to wear out my knees again. Replacement knees are a miracle, but they are no match for OEM.
I ran for 32 years, about 22 miles per week. But the meniscus in my right knee finally turned to Swiss cheese last year, so I switched to biking.
I would hope that biking is just as beneficial.