Effect of Three Different Grip Angles on Physiological Parameters During Laboratory Handcycling Test in Able-Bodied Participants

Abstract

Introduction: Handcycling is a relatively new wheelchair sport that has gained increased popularity for people with lower limb disabilities. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of three different grip positions on physical parameters during handcycling in a laboratory setting.Methods: Twenty one able-bodied participants performed three maximum incremental handcycling tests until exhaustion, each with a different grip angle. The angle between the grip and the crank was randomly set at 90° (horizontal), 0° (vertical), or 10° (diagonal). The initial load was 20 W and increased by 20 W each 5 min. In addition, participants performed a 20 s maximum effort.Results: The relative peak functional performance (W/kg), peak heart rate (bpm), associated lactate concentrations (mmol/l) and peak oxygen uptake per kilogram body weight (ml.min−1.kg−1) for the different grip positions during the stage test were: (a) Horizontal: 1.43 ± 0.21 W/kg, 170.14 ± 12.81 bpm, 9.54 ± 1.93 mmol/l, 30.86 ± 4.57 ml/kg; (b) Vertical: 1.38 ± 0.20 W/kg, 171.81 ± 13.87 bpm, 9.91 ± 2.29 mmol/l, 29.75 ± 5.13 ml/kg; (c) Diagonal: 1.40 ± 0.22 W/kg, 169.19 ± 13.31 bpm, 9.34 ± 2.36 mmol/l, 29.39 ± 4.70 ml/kg. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences could only be found for lactate concentration between the vertical grip position and the other grips during submaximal handcycling.Conclusion: The orientation of three different grip angles made no difference to the peak load achieved during an incremental handcycling test and a 20 s maximum effort. At submaximal load, higher lactate concentrations were found when the vertical grip position was used, suggesting that this position may be less efficient than the alternative diagonal or horizontal grip positions.

Crank fore-aft position alters the distribution of work over the push and pull phase during synchronous recumbent handcycling of able-bodied participants

“…Currently, the only restriction imposed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is that the crank height must be lower than the eye-line of the handcyclist [2]. Therefore, numerous areas of the handcycle-user interface can be manipulated, such as the backrest inclination [3–5], crank length [5–7] or handgrip orientation [7,8]. A recent qualitative study with expert handcyclists and coaches identified the horizontal displacement of the crank-axis with respect to the athlete, known as the crank fore-aft position, to be a key area of handcycle configuration with regards to performance [9].…”

Physiology of handcycling: A current sports perspective

“…As a result, handcycling economy has frequently been reported to establish the physiological demand of a task. 26,35,47,52 Economy is calculated independent of the energy cost, whereby the submaximal VO 2 , at a given PO, can be used to define efficient performance. 96 Nonetheless, ME and economy are appropriate measures for within-subject experimental designs, if PO and cadence are controlled.…”

“…Only a limited number of reviewed studies have documented output parameters related to anaerobic performance during handcycling (Table 3; 114 athletes including 19 females). 26,35,47,[51][52][53][54][55] Further, while research exists concerning the anaerobic capabilities of athletes with a physical impairment during ACE, 56 no studies have recruited trained handcyclists. Of the studies shown in Table 3, only one recruited recumbent handcyclists with the rest studying AB participants, commonly in a touring configuration.…”

“…Further, while studies accepted maximum PO as the peak value recorded during tests, 26,47,54 Kramer et al utilized the apex of the PO versus cadence curve by second-order polynomial curve, 51 and some studies do not state their method of calculating maximum PO. 35,52,53,55 Moreover, there is scant reporting of the use of strapping in studies, despite evidence showing its use in providing a closed chain movement pattern significantly benefits PO production. 26 Stone et al 35 reported maximum PO values of 334 ± 18 and 377 ± 59 W in recreational and elite handcyclists, respectively.…”

Elite handcycling: a qualitative analysis of recumbent handbike configuration for optimal sports performance

“…Few studies, however, have investigated the impact of the handbike-user interface or handbike design and construction on endurance performance. Research exploring the impact of the handbike-user interface on performance has focussed on the position and configuration of the cranks in ambulatory (Arnet et al 2014;Bafghi et al 2008;Faupin et al 2006; or recreational handcycling (Abel et al 2003(Abel et al , 2015Goosey-Tolfrey, Alfano, and Fowler 2008;Krämer, Hilker, and Böhm 2009;. Here, the configuration of the handbikes and demands on the participants differ considerably from elite handcycling thus, the influence that specific areas of racing handbike configuration have, on endurance performance, are unknown.…”