The effect of cadence-based training on time trial performance in elite wheelchair-racing athletes- a pilot study

Cadence has been proposed as an important component of wheelchair racing performance, yet the effects of cadence-based training on time-trial (TT) performance remain unclear. This pilot study evaluated the effects of a cadence-based training intervention on 3-kilometer TT performance in elite wheelchair-racing athletes. Twelve elite racers (6 men, 6 women; 18-35 years) completed a 21-day cadence-based training protocol using individualized cadence zones guided by wearable sensor sleeves and metronome cues. All training sessions were conducted on indoor rollers, with pre- and post-intervention 3-kilometer TTs performed on a stationary roller dynamometer. Following the intervention, 3-kilometer TT performance improved significantly (mean improvement ≈16 s; p < .05), while self-selected cadence did not change. Changes in cadence were not significantly associated with performance improvements. The mechanisms underlying these performance gains cannot be determined from the present study design. These findings provide preliminary evidence that individualized cadence-based training may improve wheelchair racing performance without altering athletes' preferred cadence strategies.