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

Abstract

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˙O2peak), power output (POpeak), heart rate (HRpeak), minute ventilation (V˙OEpeak) and respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak), 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 POpeak (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˙O2peak, training improved POpeak, muscular strength, and TTE. Upper body resistance training has the potential to improve handcycling performance.

The Science of Handcycling: A Narrative Review

“…[37][38][39] Furthermore, a number of studies have shown that handcycling can be effective in improving upper body fitness parameters in both male and female, able-bodied participants. [40][41][42][43]44 However, only a handful of studies have investigated the effectiveness of structured training…”

“…24,29,42 It has been reported that handcyclists frequently perform upper body strength training as part of a concurrent strength and endurance training regime. 24,27,29,36,40,47 The ability to generate a high PO is dependent upon tangential torque and crank angular velocity. Greater upper body strength will allow a rider to generate a larger tangential torque during both the pull and push phases of the handcycling propulsion cycle, potentially improving mechanical PO and effective velocity.…”

“…Based on the limited evidence available, concurrent strength and endurance training may represent the most favorable approach by which to develop handcycling performance capabilities. 24,27,29,36,40,47 Therefore, it is suggested that handcyclists consider adopting a concurrent approach to training utilizing a block periodization model. 29,44 Such a model will allow for the focused development of specific physiological characteristics (ie, VO 2 peak, lactate threshold, anaerobic capacity) during a given mesocycle, while simultaneously maintaining other physiological characteristics albeit, at a reduced TL.…”

Differentiated ratings of perceived exertion in upper body exercise

“…It is therefore reasonable to assume that a person will perceive arm exercise as requiring greater exertion than leg exercise at any given power output. Few studies have used RPE to monitor intensity during upper body exercises in a homogeneous population [7,15,16].…”

“…Handcycling as an alternative method of upper body exercise testing and training has received recent attention in the literature and has the potential to increase functional status and participation [16][17][18]. More knowledge on RPE specific to upper body training modes is required to use as input to assess and prescribe adequate exercise intensity in the upper body.…”