Effects of an Upper-Body Training Program Involving Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Arm Cranking on Peak Handcycling Performance and Wheelchair Propulsion Efficiency in Able-Bodied Men

Abstract

Chaikhot, D, Reed, K, Petroongrad, W, Athanasiou, F, van Kooten, D, and Hettinga, FJ. Effects of an upper-body training program involving resistance exercise and high-intensity arm cranking on peak handcycling performance and wheelchair propulsion efficiency in able-bodied men. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The aim of this study was to determine the training effects of an upper-body training program involving resistance exercise and high-intensity arm cranking on peak handcycling performance, propulsion efficiency, and biomechanical characteristics of wheelchair propulsion in able-bodied men. The training group (n = 10) received a 4-week upper-body resistance training (RT), 70% of 1 repetition maximum, 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 8 exercise stations, 2 times per week, combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 2 times per week. High-intensity interval training consisted of arm-crank exercise, 7 intervals of 2 minutes at 80-90% of peak heart rate (HRpeak) with 2-minute active rest at 50-60% of HRpeak. The control group (n = 10) received no training. Both groups performed a preincremental and postincremental handcycling test until volitional exhaustion to evaluate fitness and a 4-minute submaximal wheelchair propulsion test at comfortable speed (CS), 125 and 145% of CS, to evaluate gross mechanical efficiency (GE), fraction of effective force (FEF), percentage of peak oxygen consumption (% V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak), and propulsion characteristics. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed (p < 0.05). Training resulted in a 28.2 ± 16.5% increase in peak power output, 13.3 ± 7.5% increase in V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, 5.6 ± 0.9% increase in HRpeak, and 3.8 ± 1.5% decrease in HRrest. No training effects on FEF, GE, % V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak, and push characteristics were identified. In conclusion, the combined RT and arm-cranking HIIT improved fitness. However, it seems that this training did not result in improvements in propulsion efficiency and push characteristics. Additional wheelchair skill training may be needed to fully benefit from this advantage in daily life propulsion.

Effect of a 7-week low intensity synchronous handcycling training programme on physical capacity in abled-bodied women

“…The improvements in physical capacity found in this study were similar to those found after wheelchair ergometry training in persons with lower limb amputation, stroke and spinal cord injuries (Hicks et al, 2003;Midha et al, 1999). Specifically, the improvement in GE, HR peak , PO peak and RER peak are in accordance with handcycle studies in able-bodied individuals, persons with spinal cord injury and wheelchair users (Abonie et al, in press;Chaikhot et al, 2018;Hettinga et al, 2016;Hoekstra et al, 2017;Schoenmakers et al, 2016), and comparable to lowintensity training studies using hand-rim wheelchair (De Groot et al, 2008;Van den Berg et al, 2010). The improvement in PO peak (+20.1%) found in this study was comparable to that reported by Van de Berg [18] in their study to simulate the effect of low-intensity exercise in early rehabilitation using hand-rim wheelchair (+34%) (Van den Berg et al, 2010).…”

“…RPE scores were obtained using a 15-point (Abonie et al, in press;Chaikhot et al, 2018;Davis et al, 1981;Dishman & Buckworth, 1996;Ekkekakis et al, 2011;Esquenazi & DiGiacomo, 2001;De Groot et al, 2008;Hoekstra et al, 2017;Keyser et al, 1999;Myers et al, 2002;O'Brien et al, 2015O'Brien et al, , 2016Roehrs & Karst, 2004;Rosa & Westcott, 2010;Van den Berg et al, 2010) Borg scale (Borg, 1982). During the last 10 s of each stage, the experimenter moved his finger along an enlarged, printed RPE list.…”

“…To cope adequately with the strain of daily activities and to prevent long-term secondary health problems, wheelchair users will require an upper body exercise mode involving wheelchair treadmill exercise, wheelchair ergometry and armcrank ergometry to improve their physical capacity (Abonie et al, in press;Chaikhot et al, 2018;Davis et al, 1981;Esquenazi & DiGiacomo, 2001;Hettinga et al, 2016;Keyser et al, 1999;Myers et al, 2002;O'Brien et al, 2015;Schoenmakers et al, 2016). The goal of upper body training is to increase active muscle mass and strength, maximize overall strength for functional independence, and improve efficiency of wheelchair propulsion (Hoekstra et al, 2017;O'Brien et al, 2016;Rosa & Westcott, 2010).…”

Acute physiological responses to arm-cranking with blood flow restriction

“…Changes in blood pressure during exercise have been well documented during resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise such as walking and cycling, where feasibility issues of taking blood pressure are fairly limited [59,60]. Arm cranking exercise is a popular exercise modality used in laboratory and clinical settings; yet, there have been no groups reporting changes in blood pressure during this type of exercise to date [61,62]. Obtaining blood pressure during arm cranking presents many challenges, as most blood pressure is traditionally measured from the brachial artery on the arm, this would be impractical as a method of measurement.…”

“…Upper-body aerobic exercise, such as arm cranking, is a widely used exercise modality for clinical and athletic populations [61,62]. It is important to note several key differences between upper-body and lower-body musculature that can alter responses to exercise.…”