Effects of gear, imposed resistance and crank mode on the mechanical efficiency and physiological parameters during sub-maximal handcycling in healthy men

摘要: Introduction Handcycling is an important alternative to the manual wheelchair, especially for daily outdoor transportation. An add-on handcycle often used and has multiple gears, so that higher speed longer distances can be reached. Initially, was based on bicycle technology had asynchronous crank mode (asyn). Nowadays, they are all equipped with a synchronous (syn)(Hettinga et al., 2010; van der Woude, Dallmeijer, Janssen, & Veeger, 2001). The aim of this study investigate effects gear, imposed resistance mechanical efficiency physiological parameters. We hypothesize lower gear (higher cadence), more straining in sub-maximal handcycling. Methods Twelve non-disabled men rode instrumented motorized treadmill at 1.94 m/s. changed mode, counterbalance order. participants handcycled three sessions each mode. Across sessions, we (PO1: 15.9 ± 3.4 W, PO2: 26.2 4.1 W PO3: 36.2 3.7 W). Every session consisted blocks four minutes exercise, over which (1: 70 rpm, 2: 60 3: 52 rpm). Oxygen uptake (VO2, ml/min), carbon dioxide output (VCO2, heart rate (HR, bpm) were continuously measured (Cosmed Quark CPET, Cosmed, Rome, Italy). (ME, %) calculated according following equation: To ensure steady state, mean ME, VO2, HR last minute every block. analyzed repeated measures ANOVA ( P <0.05) as within-subject factors (SPSS 24, SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results lowest when handcycling high cadence, low (figure 1, left). oxygen increase cadence resistance, prominent 1 middle, right). Gear, have large significant effect parameters during interaction found (table 1). Discussion Conclusions Based results, suggest (Gear rpm) efficient, In agreement literature, straining, due stabilization trunk (Dallmeijerer, Ottjes, de Waardt, 2004). There extra need control front fork motion since steering not allowed treadmill.