Additional considerations and recommendations for the quantification of hand-grip strength in the measurement of leg power during high-intensity cycle ergometry.
The purpose of this study was to further examine the influence of hand-grip strength on power profiles and blood lactate values during high-intensity cycle ergometry. Fifteen male subjects each completed a 20-second cycle ergometer test twice, in a random manner, using two protocols, with a hand grip (WG), and without hand grip (WOHG). Hand-grip strength was quantified prior to exercise using a hand-grip dynamometer. Capillary (earlobe) blood was collected at rest, immediately following exercise, and 5 minutes postexercise. In the WG protocol, mean (+/-SD) blood lactate concentrations were 1.11 +/- 0.7 mmol.l( -1), 3.68 +/- 1.2 mmol.l( -1), and 8.14 +/- 1.3 mmol.l( -1), respectively. During the WOHG protocol, blood lactate values recorded were 0.99 +/- 0.9 mmol.l( -1), 3.68 +/- 1.1 mmol.l( -1), and 6.62 +/- 0.9 mmol.l( -1), respectively. Differences in lactate concentrations were found (P < 0.05) from rest to 5 minutes postexercise for both groups. Differences in concentrations also were observed between groups at the 5-minutes postexercise stage. Peak power output and fatigue index values also were greater using the WG protocol (792 +/- 73 W vs. 624 +/- 66 W; 38 +/- 6 vs. 24 +/- 8 W respectively; P< 0.05). No differences were recorded for mean power output (MPO) or work done (WD) between experimental conditions. These findings suggest that the performance of traditional style leg cycle ergometry is influenced by a muscular contribution from the upper body and by upper body strength.
Baker
Julien Steven
JS
Division of Sport and Exercise Sciences, School of Science, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, United Kingdom. julien.baker@uws.ac.uk
Davies
Bruce
B
D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D005082:Physical Exertion; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D019344:Lactic Acid