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Related Experiment Videos

Handcycling: different modes and gear ratios.

L H van der Woude1, I Bosmans, B Bervoets

  • 1Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
|April 24, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Handcycling offers greater efficiency and lower physiological strain with synchronic arm use and lighter gear ratios. These findings suggest potential benefits for wheelchair users, though further research is needed.

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Area of Science:

  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

  • Handrim wheelchair propulsion is physically demanding.
  • Arm crank exercise demonstrates higher mechanical efficiency and peak power in lab settings.
  • Handcycling's popularity is growing, but its cardiopulmonary strain is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the physiological and subjective responses during handcycling.
  • To compare the effects of asynchronic versus synchronic crank settings.
  • To assess the impact of different gear ratios on handcycling strain and efficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Twelve healthy males performed incremental submaximal exercise tests on a treadmill.
  • Evaluated asynchronic and synchronic crank settings at three gear ratios (1:0.42, 1:0.59, 1:0.74).

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  • Measured oxygen uptake, ventilation, heart rate, and subjective discomfort.

    • Main Results:

    • Synchronic arm use and lighter gear ratios (higher cadence, e.g., 44 rpm) resulted in significantly lower oxygen uptake, ventilation, and relative heart rate.
    • Gross mechanical efficiency was higher under synchronic and lighter gear conditions.
    • Increased strain was observed at heavier gear ratios (lower cadence, e.g., 24 rpm), potentially due to increased muscle activity.

    Conclusions:

    • Synchronic arm use and lighter gear ratios appear more efficient and less strenuous during handcycling.
    • The findings suggest potential advantages for wheelchair users, but require validation in this population.
    • Further research should explore different velocities, power outputs, and wheelchair-user interface designs.