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BICYCLING POWER OUTPUT DIFFERENCES FOR INDIVIDUALS UTILIZING DIFFERENT HAND GRIPS

Abstract

C. C. Davenport, S. Lopez, M.E. Walker, A.T. Del Pozzi, C.P. Katica

Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA

Depending on the level of amputation there are differing types of classifications within paralympic cycling. However, there is no research assessing upper limb amputations’ impact on lower body cycling power output. PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of hand grip on power output for cycling with simulated amputated and non-amputated arms. METHODS: 10 participants were recruited for this research study [7 males (22 yrs±2 yrs; 75.88 kg±10.23 kg) and 3 females (20 yrs±0.5 yrs; 67.0 kg±8.48 kg)]. Participants reported to complete four (4) experimental trials. One familiarization trial and three experimental trials. Following familiarization, the remaining three trials were counterbalanced and included a simulated limb amputation (AMP), residual-limb trial (RESID) trial, and a complete limb (COMP) trial. Heart rate monitors were used to assess rest, warm-up, and maximum HR. Each participant completed a 5-min warmup on the cycle preceding each Wingate Anaerobic Test (WANT). Following the warm-up, each individual performed a 30s WANT utilizing different hand grips, with the resistance equating to 7.5% of the participant’s body mass. Following the 30s WANT, each participant was asked to assess their rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to provide a subjective measure of exertion during each WANT. Everyone then underwent a 5-min cooldown on the cycle ergometer. Each experimental trial was scheduled with at least 48 hours of rest between trials to ensure recovery. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between trials (P = 0.988); however, statistical analyses found moderate to large effect sizes between the three different grips (P = 0.14) CONCLUSION: Overall, we did not see a difference between power output and the three different hand grips; however, there may be practical significance, due to the large effect size found in the analysis.

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