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The Science of Handcycling: A Narrative Review

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journal contribution
posted on 2022-05-27, 09:10 authored by Jonpaul Nevin, Ingrid Kouwijzer, Ben Stone, Oliver J. Quittmann, Florence Hettinga, Thomas Abel, Paul M. Smith

 The aim of this narrative review is to provide insight as to the history, biomechanics, and physiological characteristics ofcompetitive handcycling. Furthermore, based upon the limited evidence available, this paper aims to provide practical trainingsuggestions by which to develop competitive handcycling performance. Handbike configuration, individual physiologicalcharacteristics, and training history all play a significant role in determining competitive handcycling performance. Optimalhandcycling technique is highly dependent upon handbike configuration. As such, seat positioning, crank height, crank fore-aftposition, crank length, and handgrip position must all be individually configured. In regard to physiological determinants, poweroutput at afixed blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L−1, relative oxygen consumption, peak aerobic power output, relativeupper body strength, and maximal anaerobic power output have all been demonstrated to impact upon handcycling performancecapabilities. Therefore, it is suggested that that an emphasis be placed upon the development and frequent monitoring of theseparameters. Finally, linked to handcycling training, it is suggested that handcyclists should consider adopting a concurrentstrength and endurance training approach, based upon a block periodization model that employs a mixture of endurance,threshold, interval, and strength training sessions. Despite ourfindings, it is clear that several gaps in our scientific knowledge ofhandcycling remain and that further research is necessary in order to improve our understanding of factors that determine optimalperformance of competitive handcyclists. Finally, further longitudinal research is required across all classifications to study theeffects of different training programs upon handcycling performance. 

History

Published in

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Publisher

Human Kinetics

Version

  • VoR (Version of Record)

Citation

Nevin, J., Kouwijzer, I., Stone, B., Quittmann, O. J., Hettinga, F., Abel, T., & Smith, P. M. (2022) 'The Science of Handcycling: A Narrative Review', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(3), 335-342.

Print ISSN

1555-0265

Cardiff Met Affiliation

  • Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences

Cardiff Met Authors

Paul Smith

Cardiff Met Research Centre/Group

  • High Performance

Copyright Holder

  • © The Authors

Language

  • en

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