Effects of 7-week Resistance Training on Handcycle Performance in Able-bodied Males

The effect of an upper body resistance training program on maximal and submaximal handcycling performance in able-bodied males was explored. Eighteen able-bodied men were randomly assigned to a training group (TG: n=10) and a control group (CG: n=8). TG received 7 weeks of upper body resistance training (60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), 3×10 repetitions, 6 exercise stations, 2 times per week). CG received no training. Peak values for oxygen uptake (V˙O_2peak), power output (PO_peak), heart rate (HR_peak), minute ventilation (V˙O_Epeak) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER_peak), submaximal values (HR, V˙O₂, RER, PO, and gross mechanical efficiency (GE)), and time to exhaustion (TTE) were determined in an incremental test pre- and post-training. Maximal isokinetic arm strength and 1RM tests were conducted. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons were performed to examine the effect of time, group and its interaction (p<0.05). TG improved on PO_peak (8.55%), TTE (10.73%), and 1RM (12.28-38.98%). RPE at the same stage during pre- and post-test was lower during the post-test (8.17%). Despite no improvements in V˙O_2peak, training improved PO_peak, muscular strength, and TTE. Upper body resistance training has the potential to improve handcycling performance.