Training for the HandbikeBattle: an explorative analysis of training load and handcycling physical capacity in recreationally active wheelchair users

Ingrid Kouwijzer; Linda J M Valent; Coen A M van Bennekom; HandbikeBattle group; Marcel W M Post; Lucas H V van der Woude; Sonja de Groot

doi:10.1080/09638288.2020.1839974

Training for the HandbikeBattle: an explorative analysis of training load and handcycling physical capacity in recreationally active wheelchair users

Disabil Rehabil. 2022 Jun;44(12):2723-2732. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1839974. Epub 2020 Nov 4.

Authors

Ingrid Kouwijzer^{1

2

3}, Linda J M Valent¹, Coen A M van Bennekom^{1

4}; HandbikeBattle group; Marcel W M Post^{5

6}, Lucas H V van der Woude^{2

6}, Sonja de Groot^{2

3

7}

Affiliations

¹ Research and Development, Heliomare Rehabilitation Center, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands.
² University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.
³ Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center | Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
⁴ Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
⁵ Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMCU Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
⁶ University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Rehabilitation, Groningen, The Netherlands.
⁷ Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

PMID: 33147423
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1839974

Abstract

Purpose: (1) to analyze training characteristics of recreationally active wheelchair users during handcycle training, and (2) to examine the associations between training load and change in physical capacity.

Methods: Former rehabilitation patients (N = 60) with health conditions such as spinal cord injury or amputation were included. Participants trained for five months. A handcycling/arm crank graded exercise test was performed before and after the training period. Outcomes: peak power output per kg (POpeak/kg) and peak oxygen uptake per kg (VO₂peak/kg). Training load was defined as Training Impulse (TRIMP), which is rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) multiplied by duration of the session, in arbitrary units (AU). Training intensity distribution (TID) was also determined (time in zone 1, RPE ≤4; zone 2, RPE 5-6; zone 3, RPE ≥7).

Results: Multilevel regression analyses showed that TRIMP_sRPE was not significantly associated with change in physical capacity. Time in zone 2 (RPE 5-6) was significantly associated with ΔVO₂peak, %ΔVO₂peak, ΔVO₂peak/kg and %ΔVO₂peak/kg.

Conclusion: Training at RPE 5-6 was the only determinant that was significantly associated with improvement in physical capacity. Additional controlled studies are necessary to demonstrate causality and gather more information about its usefulness, and optimal handcycle training regimes for recreationally active wheelchair users.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMonitoring of handcycle training load is important to structure the training effort and intensity over time and to eventually optimize performance capacity. This is especially important for relatively untrained wheelchair users, who have a low physical capacity and a high risk of overuse injuries and shoulder pain.Training load can be easily calculated by multiplying the intensity of the training (RPE 0-10) with the duration of the training in minutes.Results on handcycle training at RPE 5-6 intensity in recreationally active wheelchair users suggests to be promising and should be further investigated with controlled studies.

Keywords: monotony; sRPE; strain; training intensity distribution; upper-body exercise.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Exercise Therapy
Humans
Physical Exertion
Spinal Cord Injuries* / rehabilitation
Wheelchairs*