A recent study investigated the physiological effects of crank rate selection during upper body endurance exercise, focusing on whether participants selected their own crank rate or followed a predetermined rate set at +/-10% of their spontaneously chosen cadence. The research aimed to understand how these variations in crank rate influence performance during different intensity levels.
The study examined two scenarios involving arm crank ergometry, a common upper body exercise modality: one where participants chose their own crank rate (Ts), and two others where the crank rate was fixed at either 10% below (T-10%) or 10% above (T+10%) the self-selected rate. These tests were performed during a sub-maximal exercise session (T(SUB)) with work intensity levels ranging from 50% to 80% of the individual’s peak power output (118.4 +/-…), although the exact upper range value was not fully specified.
The researchers collected physiological data across all test conditions, including metrics such as heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO₂), and perceived exertion, to compare how different crank rates impact bodily responses during exercise. The study’s findings may offer valuable insights into optimizing upper body training protocols, particularly in rehabilitation or athletic settings where efficiency and comfort are critical.
By comparing spontaneous and fixed crank rates, the study contributes important knowledge to the field of sports science and exercise physiology, helping to better tailor aerobic arm training strategies based on individual preferences and performance outcomes.
Source: https:// – Courtesy of the original publisher.
