The Anthropometric, Physiological, and Strength-Related Determinants of Handcycling 15-km Time-Trial Performance

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected anthropometric, physiological, and upper-body strength measures and 15-km handcycling time-trial (TT) performance. Methods: Thirteen trained H3/H4 male handcyclists performed a 15-km TT, graded exercise test, 15-second all-out sprint, and 1-repetition-maximum assessment of bench press and prone bench pull strength. Relationship between all variables was assessed using a Pearson correlation coefficient matrix with mean TT velocity representing the principal performance outcome. Results: Power at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1 (r = .927; P < .01) showed an extremely large correlation with TT performance, whereas relative (peak oxygen uptake) (r = .879; P < .01), power-to-mass ratio (r = .879; P < .01), peak aerobic power (r = .851; P < .01), gross mechanical efficiency (r = 733; P < .01), relative prone bench pull strength (r = .770; P = .03) relative bench press strength (r = .703; P = .11), and maximum anaerobic power (r = .678; P = .15) all demonstrated a very large correlation with performance outcomes. Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that power at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1, relative , power-to-mass ratio, peak aerobic power, gross mechanical efficiency, relative upper-body strength, and maximum anaerobic power are all significant determinants of 15-km TT performance in H3/H4 handcyclists.

The Science of Handcycling: A Narrative Review

“…5 Researchers have employed in/outdoor TTs to simulate competitive events. 26,[28][29][30]32,33 During an outdoor 22-km TT, average speeds of 29.3 to 30.4 km•h −1 ; VO 2 , 28.5 to 30.7 mL•kg −1 •min −1 (82%−89% VO 2 peak); HR, 166 to 172 bpm; and respiratory exchange ratio, 1.03 to 1.14, were reported in H3 athletes. 26 Using H1 to H5 participants, Flueck et al, 30 demonstrated laboratorybased 10 km TT times of 18.4 (4.1) minutes, average power output (PO) of 142 (49) (∼80% PO peak ), and average HR responses of 162 (27) bpm; however, information relating to performance differences between athlete classifications was not reported.…”

“…21,32 Indeed, PO 4 was shown to be the strongest predictor of performance in a simulated 16 km TT accounting for 59.3% of total variance. 33 More recently, Nevin and Smith, 33 demonstrated very large correlations between 15-km TT velocity and measures of PO 4 , VO 2 peak (in milliliter per kilogram per minute), PO peak (in Watts per kilogram), body mass, and maximal anaerobic power. In the context of performance determinants, recent findings have also pointed to the importance of absolute and relative values of upper body strength.…”

“…Anaerobic capacity can be defined as the difference between maximal anaerobic power and PO peak . 33 Known as the anaerobic power reserve (APR), this measure has been demonstrated to have a considerable relationship with handcycling performance. 33 Indeed, handcyclists frequently use various forms of interval training which tap into their APR to enhance both aerobic and anaerobic capacity.…”

“…33 Known as the anaerobic power reserve (APR), this measure has been demonstrated to have a considerable relationship with handcycling performance. 33 Indeed, handcyclists frequently use various forms of interval training which tap into their APR to enhance both aerobic and anaerobic capacity. 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.…”

“…24,27,36 In regard to interval training, it is suggested that a rider's APR be established in order to develop appropriately structured interval training sessions. 33 If preparing for shorter duration events, such as RR and TT, a polarized TID approach, consisting of 70% Z1, 20% Z2, and 10% Z3 should be considered. 27 However, if preparing for ultra-endurance events, a 90% Z1, 8% Z2, and 2% Z3 TID model may prove more efficacious.…”