The Relationship Between Absolute and Relative Upper-Body Strength and Handcycling Performance Capabilities

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the relationship between absolute and relative upper-body strength and selected measures of handcycling performance. Methods: A total of 13 trained H3/H4-classified male handcyclists (mean [SD] age 37 [11] y; body mass 76.6 [10.1] kg; peak oxygen consumption 2.8 [0.6] L·min−1; relative peak oxygen consumption 36.5 [10] mL·kg·min−1) performed a prone bench-pull and bench-press 1-repetition-maximum strength assessment, a 15-km individual time trial, a graded exercise test, and a 15-second all-out sprint test. Relationships between all variables were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Absolute strength measures displayed a large correlation with gross mechanical efficiency and maximum anaerobic power output (P = .05). However, only a small to moderate relationship was identified with all other measures. In contrast, relative strength measures demonstrated large to very large correlations with gross mechanical efficiency, 15-km time-trial velocity, maximum anaerobic power output, peak aerobic power output, power at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1, and peak oxygen consumption (P = .05). Conclusion: Relative upper-body strength demonstrates a significant relationship with time-trial velocity and several handcycling performance measures. Relative strength is the product of one’s ability to generate maximal forces relative to body mass. Therefore, the development of one’s absolute strength combined with a reduction in body mass may influence real-world handcycling race performance.

The Science of Handcycling: A Narrative Review

“…Male (8), Female participants is available, 8,13,24,27,34 research findings linked to sprint performance in trained, competitive handcyclists is scarce. Table 2 summarizes sprint performance test results for both recreational 36 and trained handcyclists. 6,17,35 Ideally, any ecologically valid evaluation of handcycling performance should represent the demands of either an individual TT or a mass start RR.…”

“…In the context of performance determinants, recent findings have also pointed to the importance of absolute and relative values of upper body strength. 36 Even though the number of scientific studies relating to handcycling has increased in the last decade, it is critical to note that there are very few studies involving athletes with high SCI. Equally important is the fact that little if any information exists for female athletes, which represents a clear gap in scientific knowledge that warrants further exploration.…”

“…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.…”

“…From a training intensity perspective, it is suggested that where possible, the 3-zone conceptual model based upon PO associated with a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol•L −1 be utilized for endurance and threshold training. 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.…”