A recent study aimed to explore the physiological impacts of self-selected versus externally fixed crank rates during upper body exercise. The research compared three conditions: a spontaneously chosen crank rate (Ts) and rates modified by ±10% (T-10% and T+10%) of the self-selected rate. These conditions were assessed in two structured upper body exercise tests.
The first test, a sub-maximal exercise session (T(SUB)), increased intensity levels gradually from 50% to 80% of the participant’s capacity. The study monitored key physiological markers, such as heart rate, oxygen consumption, and perceived exertion across the different crank rate settings. Initial results indicated that crank rate variability, even by a margin of 10%, influenced energy expenditure and cardiovascular response.
The data suggest that while self-selected crank rates may offer a balance of efficiency and comfort, modifying these rates can affect performance dynamics and potentially be used strategically in training regimens. Further research is warranted to evaluate long-term adaptations and performance outcomes arising from controlled crank rate variations during upper body sub-maximal exertion.
Source: https:// – Courtesy of the original publisher.
