[Formula: see text]La was identified as a promising parameter for exercise testing in handcycling that can be supplemented by other parameters describing lactate kinetics following a sprint test.

Zeller, S, Abel, T, and Strueder, HK. Monitoring training load in handcycling: a case study. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3094-3100, 2017-The aim of this study was to analyze the training intensity distribution (TID) and the total training load (TTL) for the first time in handcycling of a multiple female Paralympic medalist (lesion level: L2-3 incomplete, ASIA C, classification: WH5). This study focuses on the preparation and the competitive period of the 2015 season. The athlete completed 194 handcycling training sessions in a time of 433:53 hours, covering a total distance of 10.190 km. An average training week consisted of 9:38 ± 4:50 hours of training during 4.3 ± 1.5 training sessions. Training was categorized according to the 3-zone intensity scale (zone 1: below blood lactate levels of 2 mmol·L; zone 2: between 2 mmol·L and 4 mmol·L; and zone 3: above 4 mmol·L). The average TID during the observation was 71.6 ± 14.9% in zone 1, 15.2 ± 8.0% in zone 2, and 13.1 ± 5.5% in zone 3. The analysis of TID throughout the season demonstrates a tendency toward a greater volume in zone 2 than the recommendations in the literature. The mean TTL throughout the season was 804 ± 399 arbitrary units. During the investigation, the performance capacity in the incremental exercise test analog to 4 mmol·L increased by 19% (150-181 W), whereas the peak power output improved by 22% (180-200 W). Currently, no general guideline for the TTL and TID in paraplegic endurance athletes can be given.

Abstract-The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a noncircular chainring (NCC) compared with a conventional circular chainring (CC) on hand cycling performance. Eleven nondisabled male participants with no hand cycling experience initially completed an incremental exercise test. Afterward, the participants completed two 20 s sprint tests, followed by a 20 min endurance test and then another two 20 s sprint tests. An NCC and a CC were used in random order on two separate occasions. To compare the effects of the NCC and CC on power data of the sprint tests and metabolic response during the endurance test, a two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used. Average power values of the sprint tests showed no significant difference between NCC and CC, but over time, values of the first and third sprint tests were higher than those of the second and fourth sprint tests for both chainrings. Values of energy expenditure (kilojoules), gross efficiency (percentage), and net efficiency (percentage) after 10 and 20 min during the endurance test using NCC and CC showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) either between tests or over time. Under the current test conditions and focusing on physiological parameters, a performance optimization using an NCC in hand cycling could not be proven.

BackgroundEndurance capacity is one of the main performance determinants in handcycling. There are two exercise test procedures primarily applied to determine endurance capacity, to verify training adaptations and predict race performance. This study aims to evaluate the agreement of these applied concepts in handcycling.MethodsIn a repeated measures cross-over design, 11 highly trained male spinal cord injured (Th12 to L1) handcyclists (age: 40 ± 9 years, height: 183 ± 8 cm, body mass: 73.2 ± 8.5 kg) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) and a lactate minimum test (LMT) to determine lactate threshold at 4 mmol L–1 (LT4 mmol L−1) and lactate minimum (LM), respectively. The agreement of both lactate thresholds concepts for constant load performance prediction (change of ≤ 1 mmol L–1 during the last 20 min) was evaluated within constant load tests (CLT; 30 min) at a power output (PO) corresponding to LT4 mmol L–1 and LM. Oxygen uptake (V.⁢O2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (La) were measured during all tests.ResultsPower output at the corresponding thresholds (LT4 mmol L−1: 149 ± 34 W vs. LM: 137 ± 18 W) revealed no significant difference (p = 0.06). During the CLT at LT4 mmol⋅L−1 and LM, V.⁢O2, and RPE were not significantly different. However, LA, RER, and HR were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.02) during CLT at LT4 mmol L−1. Bland–Altman plots indicate a wide range of dispersion for all parameters between both lactate threshold concepts. Evaluations of LT4 mmol L−1 and LM did not meet the criteria for constant load performance within the CLT for 33 and 17% of the athletes, respectively.DiscussionBoth exercise tests and the corresponding lactate threshold concept revealed appropriate estimates to predict a steady state performance for the majority of participants. However, as PO determination at LT4 mmol L−1 and LM exceeds the criteria for constant load performance (increase of ≥ 1 mmol L–1) for 33 and 17% respectively the current results indicate the common criteria for constant load performance (change of ± 1 mmol L–1) might not be sufficiently precise for elite athletes in handcycling. Consequently, exercise test results of elite athletes should be analyzed individually and verified by means of several CLT.

A typical wheelchair rugby training session does not affect basal serum BDNF concentration in elite SCI athletes. In comparison with concentrations previously reported in healthy subjects, the current values at rest were slightly higher or rather at the upper limit.