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Furno Puglia V, Paquette M, Bergdahl A. Characterization of muscle oxygenation response in well-trained handcyclists. Eur J Appl Physiol 2024:10.1007/s00421-024-05524-0. [PMID: 38856729 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05524-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Peripheral responses might be important in handcycling, given the involvement of small muscles compared to other exercise modalities. Therefore, the goal of this study was to compare changes in muscle oxygen saturation (∆SmO2) and deoxyhemoglobin level (∆[HHb]) between different efforts and muscles. METHODS Handcyclists participated in a Wingate, a maximal incremental test and a 20-min time-trial (TT). Oxygen uptake (VO2) as well as ∆SmO2, ∆[HHb], deoxygenation and reoxygenation rates in the triceps brachii (TB), biceps brachii (BB), anterior deltoid (AD) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ER) were measured. RESULTS ER ∆[HHb]max was 37% greater in the incremental test than in the Wingate (ES = 0.392, P = 0.031). TT mean power (W/kg) was associated with BB ∆SmO2min measured in the incremental test (r = -0.998 [-1.190, -0.806], P = 0.002) and in the Wingate (r = -0.994 [-1.327, -0.661], P = 0.006). MAP (W/kg) was associated with Wingate BB ∆SmO2min (r = -0.983 [-0.999, -0.839], P = 0.003), and Wingate peak (r = 0.649 [0.379, 0.895], P = 0.008) and mean power (W/kg) (r = 0.925 [0.752, 0.972], P = 0.003) was associated with right handgrip force. The strongest physiological predictor for TT performance was BB ∆SmO2min in the incremental test (P = 0.002, r2 = 0.993, SEE 0.016 W/kg), Wingate BB ∆SmO2min for MAP (P = 0.003, r2 = 0.956, SEE 0.058 W/kg) and right handgrip force for Wingate peak power (P = 0.005, r2 = 0.856, SEE 0.551 W/kg). CONCLUSION Peripheral aerobic responses (muscle oxygenation) were predictive of handcycling performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Furno Puglia
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Institut National du Sport du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Andreas Bergdahl
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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de Groot S, Kouwijzer I, Hoekstra SP, Vroemen G, Valent LJ, van der Woude LH. External and Internal Work Load During a Mountain Time Trial in Trained Handcyclists Versus a World-Class Handcyclist and Determinants of Performance. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 102:550-559. [PMID: 35583450 PMCID: PMC10184806 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Antunes D, Borszcz FK, Nascimento EMF, Cavalheiro GP, Fischer G, Brickley G, de Lucas RD. Physiological and Perceptual Responses in Spinal Cord Injury Handcyclists During an Endurance Interval Training: The Role of Critical Speed. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 101:977-982. [PMID: 36104844 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to determine the physiological (oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration) and perceptual (rating of perceived exertion) responses during an endurance interval training at the critical speed in elite handcyclists with spinal cord injury. DESIGN Eight handcyclists performed an incremental test, three tests to exhaustion at a constant speed to determine critical speed, and the endurance interval training. The endurance interval training consisted of 6 × 5 mins at the individualized critical speed, with passive recovery of 50 secs. All testing was performed using their own handcycles on an oversized motorized treadmill. Physiological and perceptual responses were assessed during the incremental and endurance interval training tests. RESULTS There was no significant difference in average oxygen uptake from the first to the sixth repetition. The mean ∆[La-]10_last between the 10th to the 30th minute of the exercise was -0.36 mmol·l-1, and no difference was detected from the first to the sixth repetition. The heart rate also remained stable during endurance interval training, whereas rating of perceived exertion increased significantly throughout the session. CONCLUSIONS Repetitions of 5 mins at the critical speed in elite handcyclists are associated with cardiorespiratory and lactate steady state, whereas the perceived exertion increased systematically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Antunes
- From the Sports Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Physical Effort Laboratory, Florianopolis, Brazil (DA, FKB, EMFN, GPC, GF, RDdL); and Center for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom (GB)
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The Science of Handcycling: A Narrative Review. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:335-342. [DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2021-0458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this narrative review is to provide insight as to the history, biomechanics, and physiological characteristics of competitive handcycling. Furthermore, based upon the limited evidence available, this paper aims to provide practical training suggestions by which to develop competitive handcycling performance. Handbike configuration, individual physiological characteristics, and training history all play a significant role in determining competitive handcycling performance. Optimal handcycling technique is highly dependent upon handbike configuration. As such, seat positioning, crank height, crank fore-aft position, crank length, and handgrip position must all be individually configured. In regard to physiological determinants, power output at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1, relative oxygen consumption, peak aerobic power output, relative upper body strength, and maximal anaerobic power output have all been demonstrated to impact upon handcycling performance capabilities. Therefore, it is suggested that that an emphasis be placed upon the development and frequent monitoring of these parameters. Finally, linked to handcycling training, it is suggested that handcyclists should consider adopting a concurrent strength and endurance training approach, based upon a block periodization model that employs a mixture of endurance, threshold, interval, and strength training sessions. Despite our findings, it is clear that several gaps in our scientific knowledge of handcycling remain and that further research is necessary in order to improve our understanding of factors that determine optimal performance of competitive handcyclists. Finally, further longitudinal research is required across all classifications to study the effects of different training programs upon handcycling performance.
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Muchaxo R, De Groot S, Kouwijzer I, Van Der Woude L, Janssen T, Nooijen CFJ. A Role for Trunk Function in Elite Recumbent Handcycling Performance? J Sports Sci 2021; 39:2312-2321. [PMID: 34078241 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1930684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Handcycling classification considers trunk function, but there is limited scientific evidence of trunk involvement in recumbent performance. This study investigated the association between trunk function and recumbent handcycling performance of athletes without upper-limb impairments (H3-H4 sport classes). The study was divided into two parts. First, 528 time-trial results from 81 handcyclists with spinal cord injury (SCI) were obtained between 2014 and 2020. Average time-trial velocity was used as performance measure and SCI level as trunk function determinant. Multilevel regression analysis was performed to analyse differences in performance among SCI groups while correcting for lesion completeness, sex, and age. Second, in 26 handcyclists, standardised trunk flexion strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Peak and mean power-output from a sprint test and time-trial average velocity were used as performance measures. Spearman correlations were conducted to investigate the association between trunk strength and performance. Results showed that the different SCI groups did not exhibit significant differences in performance. Furthermore, trunk flexion strength and performance exhibited non-significant weak to moderate correlations (for time-trial speed: rs = 0.36; p = 0.07). Results of both analyses suggest that trunk flexion strength does not seem to significantly impact recumbent handcycling performance in athletes without upper-limb impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Muchaxo
- Faculty of Behavioural and Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja De Groot
- Faculty of Behavioural and Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Adapted Sports Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Kouwijzer
- Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Research and Development, Heliomare Rehabilitation Center, Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Van Der Woude
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Rehabilitation, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Loughborough University, School of Sports, Exercise & Health, Peter Harrison Centre of Disability Sport
| | - Thomas Janssen
- Faculty of Behavioural and Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Adapted Sports Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute of Sport Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mason BS, Stone B, Warner MB, Goosey-Tolfrey VL. Crank length alters kinematics and kinetics, yet not the economy of recumbent handcyclists at constant handgrip speeds. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 31:388-397. [PMID: 33079394 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Handcycling performance is dependent on the physiological economy of the athlete; however, handbike configuration and the biomechanical interaction between the two are also vital. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of crank length manipulations on physiological and biomechanical aspects of recumbent handcycling performance in highly trained recumbent handcyclists at a constant linear handgrip speed and sport-specific intensity. Nine competitive handcyclists completed a 3-minute trial in an adjustable recumbent handbike in four crank length settings (150, 160, 170 & 180 mm) at 70% peak power output. Handgrip speed was controlled (1.6 m·s-1 ) across trials with cadences ranging from 102 to 85 rpm. Physiological economy, heart rate, and ratings of perceived exertion were monitored in all trials. Handcycling kinetics were quantified using an SRM (Schoberer Rad Messtechnik) powermeter, and upper limb kinematics were determined using a 10-camera VICON motion capture system. Physiological responses were not significantly affected by crank length. However, greater torque was generated (P < .0005) and peak torque occurred earlier during the push and pull phase (P ≤ .001) in longer cranks. Statistical parametric mapping revealed that the timing and orientation of shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and elbow extension were significantly altered in different crank lengths. Despite the biomechanical adaptations, these findings suggest that at constant handgrip speeds (and varying cadence) highly trained handcyclists may select crank lengths between 150 and 180 mm without affecting their physiological performance. Until further research, factors such as anthropometrics, comfort, and self-selected cadence should be used to facilitate crank length selection in recumbent handcyclists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S Mason
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School for Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, NCSEM, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Benjamin Stone
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School for Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, NCSEM, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Martin B Warner
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Victoria L Goosey-Tolfrey
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School for Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, NCSEM, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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Stephenson BT, Stone B, Mason BS, Goosey‐Tolfrey VL. Physiology of handcycling: A current sports perspective. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 31:4-20. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben T. Stephenson
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Loughborough University Loughborough UK
- English Institute of Sport Performance Centre Loughborough University Loughborough UK
| | - Benjamin Stone
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Loughborough University Loughborough UK
| | - Barry S. Mason
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Loughborough University Loughborough UK
| | - Victoria L. Goosey‐Tolfrey
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Loughborough University Loughborough UK
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