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Physical capacity and race performance of handcycle users
T W Janssen1, A J Dallmeijer, L H van der Woude
1Vrije Universiteit, Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Human Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. t.janssen@fbw.vu.nl
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|April 27, 2001
Summary
Handcycling maximal power output (POmax) is high and correlates with race performance in wheelchair users. This activity provides excellent aerobic training, even for individuals with upper-limb impairments.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Handcycling is an emerging sport for individuals with disabilities.
- Understanding the physiological demands is crucial for training and performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physical capacity, gross efficiency (GE), and physical strain (PS) in male handcycle users during a 10K race.
- To correlate these physiological parameters with race performance (mean race velocity, Vrace).
Main Methods:
- 16 male handcycle users (10 with upper-limb impairments [A1/A2], 6 without [A3]) participated.
- Physiological capacity (maximal power output [POmax], VO2peak) and GE were measured via graded treadmill exercise.
- Physical strain (PS) was determined by mean heart rate relative to heart rate reserve (%HRR).
Main Results:
- Group A3 demonstrated significantly higher POmax, VO2peak, and Vrace compared to A1/A2.
- No significant differences in PS or GE were observed between groups.
- POmax, VO2peak, and PS were significantly associated with Vrace.
Conclusions:
- Handcycling elicits high maximal power output, strongly correlating with race performance.
- The significant physical strain indicates handcycling is suitable for aerobic training across most wheelchair user groups.
- Gross efficiency contributes significantly to explaining race velocity variance, highlighting its importance.