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External and Internal Work Load During a Mountain Time Trial in Trained Handcyclists Versus a World-Class Handcyclist
Sonja de Groot1, Ingrid Kouwijzer, Sven P Hoekstra
1From the Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center | Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (SdG, IK); Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (SdG); Research and Development, Heliomare Rehabilitation Center, Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands (IK, LJMV); University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands (IK, LHVvdW); Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom (SPH); Sports Medical Centre, Amersfoort, the Netherlands (GV); and University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Rehabilitation, Groningen, the Netherlands (LHVvdW).
Objectives:
The aims of the study were to evaluate the external and internal work load of trained handcyclists during a mountain time trial, to compare the results with a world-class handcyclist, and to identify time trial performance determinants.
Design:
Ten trained and one world-class handcyclists performed a graded exercise test to determine power output and heart rate at the (first and second) ventilatory thresholds and exhaustion. Power output and heart rate were continuously measured during the race.
Results:
The mean absolute power output during the race (119 ± 21 vs. 203 W, P < 0.001) was lower in the trained handcyclists compared with the world-class handcyclist. The absolute and relative heart rate during the race (86 ± 7% vs. 88%, P = 0.40) and relative power output during the race (66 ± 10% vs. 62%, P = 0.24) were similar. Trained handcyclists cycled significantly less time at a power output between first and second ventilatory thresholds (48% vs. 64%, P = 0.02) and more at a power output greater than second ventilatory threshold (34% vs. 11%, P = 0.005). Power output at the second ventilatory threshold showed the strongest correlation with finish time ( r = -0.78) and peak power output with mean power output of the race ( r = 0.90).
Conclusions:
The laboratory outcome peak power output and power output at the second ventilatory threshold are important performance determinants for longer time trials in handcyclists, and it is, therefore, important to improve these outcomes with training. Because the trained handcyclists cycled most of the race in intensity zones 2 and 3, it is recommended to incorporate these zones also in the training.
