Arm cycling ‑ mechanical and physiological effects

Background

Arm bike (hand bike) is a competition tool used within the national and international parasport association. Depending on the physical disability of the athletes, this often means limitations in the choice of sitting position on the arm cycle. Therefore, a number of different sitting positions exist among the athletes, not always from an aerodynamic and physiologically advantageous perspective, but based on the physical conditions that exist in the athlete.

Goal

The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of various bicycle positions specific to competitors in the arm cycle by measuring aerodynamic and physiological effects, including progressive power requirements on the arm cycle, work economy, mechanical efficiency, heart rate and blood lactate. The result is expected to be able to contribute to the development of the bicycle sport and form the basis for the development of control systems.

Researcher

In addition to researchers at Mid Sweden University, Clemens Frühwirth, master student, University of Applied Sciences Vienna, is also involved in the project.