Physiological responses during simulated 16 km recumbent handcycling time trial and determinants of performance in trained handcyclists

PURPOSE: To characterise the physiological profiles of trained handcyclists, during recumbent handcycling, to describe the physiological responses during a 16 km time trial (TT) and to identify the determinants of this TT performance. METHODS: Eleven male handcyclists performed a sub-maximal and maximal incremental exercise test in their recumbent handbike, attached to a Cyclus II ergometer. A physiological profile, including peak aerobic power output (PO(Peak)), peak rate of oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text] O(2Peak)), aerobic lactate threshold (AeLT) and PO at 4 mmol L(−1) (PO(4)), were determined. Participants also completed a 16 km simulated TT using the same experimental set-up. Determinants of TT performance were identified using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean values of PO(Peak) = 252 ± 9 W, [Formula: see text] O(2Peak) = 3.30 ± 0.36 L min(−1) (47.0 ± 6.8 mL kg(−1) min(−1)), AeLT = 87 ± 13 W and PO(4) = 154 ± 14 W were recorded. The TT was completed in 29:21 ± 0:59 min:s at an intensity equivalent to 69 ± 4% PO(Peak) and 87 ± 5% [Formula: see text] O(2Peak). PO(Peak) (r = − 0.77, P = 0.006), PO(4) (r = − 0.77, P = 0.006) and AeLT (r = − 0.68, P = 0.022) were significantly correlated with TT performance. PO(4) and PO(Peak) were identified as the best predictors of TT performance (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PO(Peak), PO(4) and AeLT are important physiological TT performance determinants in trained handcyclists, differentiating between superior and inferior performance, whereas [Formula: see text] O(2peak) was not. The TT took place at an intensity corresponding to 69% PO(Peak) and 87% [Formula: see text] O(2peak).