Development of a novel eccentric arm cycle ergometer for training the upper body

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Eccentric leg cycling improves lower body neuromuscular function.
• Eccentric arm cycling (EC(arm)) has not been widely used due to a lack of ergometers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and construction of a novel eccentric arm cycling (EC(arm)) ergometer.
• To compare EC(arm) to traditional concentric arm cycling (CC(arm)).

Main Methods:

• A modified cycle ergometer with an electric motor was used for EC(arm).
• Eight participants performed 3-minute EC(arm) and CC(arm) trials at varying power outputs (40, 80, 120 W) while oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured.

Main Results:

• The EC(arm) ergometer was user-friendly and provided power feedback.
• VO2 was significantly lower during EC(arm) compared to CC(arm).
• At similar VO2, EC(arm) absorbed approximately threefold greater power than CC(arm).

Conclusions:

• A novel EC(arm) ergometer was successfully developed.
• EC(arm) allows for high-force upper body eccentric actions with low metabolic demand.
• EC(arm) presents a potential new modality for exercise training and rehabilitation.