Development and application of a handbike ergometer to measure the 3D force generation pattern during arm crank propulsion in realistic handcycling conditions

Abstract

The majority of investigations in hand cycling thus far were carried out in little realistic conditions, particularly with regard to ergonomics and mechanical characteristics such as steering and stabilization mechanisms. In addition, integrated investigations studying both the physiological and biomechanical responses during realistic maximal and submaximal hand cycling have not yet been conducted. This paper illustrates the design, the working, and the possibilities of a newly developed handbike ergometer that simulates hand cycling in realistic ergonomic and mechanical conditions with a continuous control of the workload. Built-in force transducers in both crank handles allow the registration of the orthogonal force components in three dimensions along a pre-defined X, Y, and Z-axes in function of time and/or position. Consequently, the resultant force and the forces exerted in each plane of the test person can be calculated to evaluate the forward, upward, and sideward force generation during hand cycling. The tangential, radial, and transversal forces can also be calculated to analyze the movement effectiveness. As well, eight extra channels are foreseen to allow a simultaneous and synchronized electromyography registration. The handbike ergometer is therefore a useful tool to capture data that are novel and at the forefront of the field of biomechanical analyses in hand cycling, taking into consideration the physical potential of the user, the configuration of the handbike and the handbike–user interface.

Keywords:

• biomechanics
• ergonomics
• kinetics
• performance
• rehabilitation
• spinal cord injury
• sports