Influence of crank length and crank width on maximal hand cycling power and cadence

Abstract

The effect of different crank lengths and crank widths on maximal hand cycling power, cadence and handle speed were determined. Crank lengths and crank widths were adapted to anthropometric data of the participants as the ratio to forward reach (FR) and shoulder breadth (SB), respectively. 25 able-bodied subjects performed maximal inertial load hand cycle ergometry using crank lengths of 19, 22.5 and 26% of FR and 72, 85 and 98% of SB. Maximum power ranged from 754 (246) W for the crank geometry short wide (crank length x crank width) to 873 (293) W for the combination long middle. Every crank length differed significantly (P < 0.05) from each other, whereas no significant effect of crank width to maximum power output was revealed. Optimal cadence decreased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing crank length from 124.8 (0.9) rpm for the short to 107.5 (1.6) rpm for the long cranks, whereas optimal handle speed increased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing crank length from 1.81 (0.01) m/s for the short to 2.13 (0.03) m/s for the long cranks. Crank width did neither influence optimal cadence nor optimal handle speed significantly. From the results of this study, for maximum hand cycling power, a crank length to FR ratio of 26% for a crank width to SB ratio of 85% is recommended.

The exercise profile of an ultra-long handcycling race: the Styrkeprøven experience

“…1 The high mechanical efficiency of this geared fixed-frame racing cycle in comparison with an manual wheelchair can potentially increase the distance a person with a loss of lower limb function can travel. 2 To guide the optimal setup for the handcyclist the influence of crank length 3,4 and crank configuration 5,6 have been analyzed. The physiological profile of the handcyclist has also been studied, 7,8 and although this is often limited to investigations within the laboratory environment some studies have explored this relationship in competition.…”

Influence of noncircular chainring on male physiological parameters in hand cycling

“…In this context, physiological performance analysis [4][5][6], technological innovations such as the comparison of asynchronous and synchronous crank configurations [5,[7][8][9], and the influence of different crank lengths [10][11] have all been the focus of scientific research associated with this sport. Here we show that mechanical efficiency, in the form of both gross efficiency (GE) and net efficiency (NE), is viewed as an important variable when comparing different hand cycle configurations.…”

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

“…Crank position also influences upper limb muscle activity (Litzenberger, Mally, and Sabo 2016), but the effects on mechanical efficiency and shoulder load are inconclusive (Arnet et al, 2014;van Drongelen et al 2009). Quantitative studies manipulating handgrip width have been more conclusive, a handgrip width of 85 % of shoulder width was found to be optimal in a 4-second sprint (Krämer, Hilker, and Böhm 2009). Backrest inclination, affecting shoulder height and aerodynamics, has also been investigated by Arnet and her colleagues (2012;2014).…”

“…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.…”