On the effect of changing handgrip position on joint specific power and cycling kinematics in recreational and professional cyclists

INTRODUCTION: In cycling, the utilization of the drops position (i.e. the lowest handlebar position relative to the ground) allows for reduced frontal area, likely improved aerodynamics and thus performance compared to the tops (i.e. the position producing the most upright trunk). The reduced trunk angle during seated submaximal cycling has been shown to influence cardiorespiratory factors but the effects on pedalling forces and joint specific power are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of changing handgrip position on joint specific power and cycling kinematics at different external work rates in recreational and professional cyclists. METHOD: Nine professional and nine recreational cyclists performed cycling bouts using three different handgrip positions and three external work rates (i.e. 100W, 200W and external work rate corresponding to the lactate threshold (WR(lt))). Joint specific power was calculated from kinematic measurements and pedal forces using 2D inverse dynamics. RESULTS: We found increased hip joint power, decreased knee joint power and increased peak crank torque for the professional cyclist compared to the recreational cyclists, but only at WR(lt) where the professional cyclists were working at a higher external work rate. There was no main effect of changing handgrip position on any joint, but there was a small interaction effect of external work rate and handgrip position on hip joint power contribution (Generalized eta squared (η(g)(2)) = 0.012). At 100W, changing handgrip position from the tops to the drops decreased the hip joint contribution (-2.0 ± 3.9 percentage points (pct)) and at the WR(lt), changing handgrip position increased the hip joint power (1.6 ± 3.1 pct). There was a small effect of handgrip position with the drops leading to increased peak crank torque (η(g)(2) = 0.02), increased mean dorsiflexion (η(g)(2) = 0.05) and increased hip flexion (η(g)(2) = 0.31) compared to the tops. DISCUSSION: The present study demonstrates that there is no main effect of changing handgrip position on joint power. Although there seems to be a small effect on hip joint power when comparing across large ranges in external work rate, any potential negative performance effect would be outweighed by the aerodynamic benefit of the drops position.