Lecture - Handcycling - sportmedizinische und -wissenschaftliche Aspekte (D)

A handcycle is a relatively new sports equipment that is a combination of the traditional wheelchair and a hand operated bicycle crank. Handcycling has opened a new world of mobilization for people who are restricted to a wheelchair, from both a health perspective (Abel et al., 2003a; Arnet et al., 2015) and for sports performance (Abel & Platen, 2004; de Groot et al.; Goosey-Tolfrey et al., 2006). During the last 5 years, race performance has increased significantly with the adoption of elite athlete training approaches and technical developments concerning the handcycle itself. In comparison to wheelchair propulsion, handcycling has a higher mechanical efficiency (Abel et al., 2003a; Arnet et al., 2015; Dallmeijer et al., 2004; Simmelink et al., 2015), which gives the person restricted to a wheelchair the benefit of increased mobility. It has been postulated that regular engagement with handcycling will likely lead to fewer painful and debilitating overuse injuries (Arnet et al., 2014; van der Woude et al. 2006). Energy expenditure in handcycling is sufficient to offer protection against the development of secondary conditions such as cardiovascular disease (Abel et al., 2003a; van der Woude et al., 2013). As a relatively new device there have been a range of areas investigated to improve handcycle performance, such as the influence of back rest position, gear ratios (Arnet et al., 2014; Faupin et al., 2008). The physiological profile of the handcyclist has also been studied, and although this is often limited to investigations within the laboratory environment some studies have explored this relationship in competition.

Several types of handbikes are now available, various forms of propulsion have been developed, and handcycling exercise is performed by a very diverse group of individuals, from the rather inactive person during rehabilitation to the elite athlete. This diversity in modes and purposes makes this topic both intriguing and challenging.

The presentation will focus on:

• Handcycling to promote health and fitness during and after rehabilitation
• Actual trends of handcycling exercise tests
• Training strategies in the context of rehabilitation and as well high performance

This lecture will be moderated in German by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Abel, lecturer at the Institute of Movement and Neurosciences at the German Sport University of Cologne, and by Prof. Dr. Daniel Theisen (PhD), Head of the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory of LIH, who will start the colloquium with a short introduction on physiological parameters in handcycling.

Free attendance

The Luxembourgish Academy of Sports Medicine, Sports Physiotherapy and Sports Science is  composed of LIH's Sport Medicine Research Laboratory (SMRL), the Luxembourg Society of Sports Physiotherapy (SLKS), the Luxembourgish Sports Medicine Society (SLMS), the Luxembourg Society of Research in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine (SLROMS) and collaborates with the Sports Clinic of Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL).
The events organised by the Academy are gathering internationally recognised speakers to address recent topics around sports medicine, sport science, physical activity and research.

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