A large correlation (mean r = 0.63–0.67) was found between the sRPE and HR-based methods during wheelchair basketball matches (17). The sRPE and HR-based methods showed large ( r = 0.59, using partial correlations) and very large ( r > 0.80) relationships with total distance covered during wheelchair rugby training sessions (16). Moreover, peripheral fatigue can play a more important role than central fatigue during arm exercise, making it more difficult to give an accurate RPE score that reflects the training load (13).Īlthough TRIMP HR and TRIMP sRPE have been validated and are promising in exercise modalities, such as kayaking and cycling in able-bodied individuals (14, 15), the validity of these measures in people with a disability has been investigated only in wheelchair rugby (16) and wheelchair basketball (17). However, TRIMP sRPE is a subjective measure and relies on an individual’s memory. TRIMP sRPE is an easy to use and inexpensive method and might, therefore, be feasible to use during and after rehabilitation. Another method to monitor training load is TRIMP sRPE, in which the RPE of the training session (sRPE) is multiplied by the duration of the session (12).

However, HR can be influenced by personal or environmental factors (10) and in people with a high spinal cord injury (SCI) by the impaired autonomic nervous system (11). (9) introduced the concept of training impulse (TRIMP), in which the duration of training and HR were used to calculate the training load. Two frequently used methods to determine internal training load are based on heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) (8). Firstly, it should be investigated which methods can be used to assess the training load in handcycling. In addition, for research purposes more information is needed on the dose-response relationship to explain changes in fitness and health outcomes (6, 7). Monitoring of training is important in order to optimize performance and prevent overuse injuries or overtraining, especially in inexperienced handcyclists during and after rehabilitation. Participants in the HandbikeBattle trained for 4 months under free-living conditions (5). However, it is not known what kind of training regime led to these improvements. The effectiveness of the event has been shown by substantial improvements in fitness and health outcomes (5). The event was created to promote handcycling among former patients of rehabilitation centres (4). Recognizing the encouraging effect of events that are challenging, an annual handcycling race (HandbikeBattle) is held on a mountain in Austria. Handcycling may be introduced during inpatient rehabilitation patients with a lower-extremity disability (3) for promoting mobility and physical activity. H andcycling is physiologically more efficient than wheelchair propulsion (1) and leads to lower shoulder loads (2). How-ever, it is recommended that both measures are used in combination, when possible, since some individuals showed weaker relationships.

At the individual level, Pearson’s correlations varied from moderate ( r=0.48) to nearly perfect ( r = 0.99).Ĭonclusion: TRIMP sRPE and TRIMP HR showed very large correlations with external training load, and thus appear appropriate for use in monitoring handcycling training load in people with paraplegia.

Results: Partial correlations between measures of internal and external loads ( r = 0.81–0.85) and correlations between TRIMP sRPE and TRIMP scores based on HR ( r = 0.77–0.78) were very large. Partial correlations (for all training sessions of all participants) and Pearson’s correlations (for all training sessions of an individual participant) were performed to determine the relationship between external (TSS) and internal (TRIMP HR, TRIMP HRzones and TRIMP sRPE) training loads. Training Stress Score (TSS) was calculated from power output data, and TRaining IMPuls (TRIMP) was determined, based on HR, HRzones and sRPE. Power output and heart rate (HR) were measured and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) was determined during a 12-week training period. Methods: All participants performed a graded peak exercise test. Objective: To establish the relationship between internal and external handcycling training load for monitoring training in people with paraplegia.

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