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Is handcycling performance affected by hand function impairment? A cross-sectional study on paracycling
Rafael E A Muchaxo1, Carla F J Nooijen2, Lucas H V van der Woude3
1Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, The Netherlands.
Summary
Handcycling performance may be impacted by hand function impairments during maximal efforts, but not submaximal efforts. Further research is needed in elite handcyclists to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Handcycling allows athletes with hand function impairments to compete using assistive technology.
- The performance parity between impaired and non-impaired handcyclists remains unestablished.
- This study investigates the effects of simulated hand impairments on handcycling performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of simulated hand function impairments on handcycling performance in non-disabled individuals.
- To compare performance metrics under conditions of no impairment, asymmetry, finger impairment, and wrist impairment.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen non-disabled participants completed four handcycling sessions with simulated impairments.
- Sessions included submaximal tests (30W, 45W) and a 20-second isokinetic sprint.
- Oxygen uptake (VO2sub) and peak/mean power output (PO) were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in oxygen uptake (VO2sub) were found across impairment conditions.
- Peak power output during sprints was significantly higher (14-17%) in the non-impaired condition (p < 0.01).
- Mean power output showed non-significant increases (5-9%) in the non-impaired condition.
Conclusions:
- Individuals without hand function impairments may outperform those with impairments during maximal handcycling efforts.
- Submaximal handcycling performance appears unaffected by simulated hand impairments.
- Findings require validation in competitive handcycling athletes with actual impairments.
