Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH

OBJECTIVE: Para-cycling classification aims to generate fair competition by discriminating between levels of activity limitation. This study investigated the relationship between lower limb Manual Muscle Tests (MMT) with ratio-scaled measures of isometric and dynamic strength, and of the ratio-scaled measures with cycling performance.

DESIGN: Fifty-six para-cyclists (44 males, 12 females) with leg impairments performed isometric and dynamic strength tests: leg push and pull, and an all-out 20 s sprint. MMT results were obtained from the classification database (n = 21) and race speeds from time trials (n = 54).

RESULTS: Regression analyses showed significant associations of MMT with isometric push (R2 = .49), dynamic push (R2 = .35), and dynamic pull (R2 = .28). Isometric strength was significantly correlated with dynamic push (ρ = .63) and pull (ρ = .54). The isometric and dynamic tests were significantly associated with sprint power and race speed (R2 = .16-.50).

CONCLUSION: The modified MMT and ratio-scaled measures were significantly associated. The significant relation of isometric and dynamic strength with sprint power and race speed maps the impact of lower limb impairments on para-cycling performance. MMT and the isometric and dynamic measures show potential for use in para-cycling classification.

ABSTRACT: This study described bicycling (C-classes) and tricycling (T-classes) performance in International Cycling Federation road race events between 2011 and 2019. A total of 3,243 race results from 33 events were analyzed. Race velocity was calculated for each result. Bicycling and tricycling data were separately modelled using a linear mixed-effects model. Bicycling velocity was statistically different between all adjacent men's classes (Cohen's d = 0.14 to 0.73), and between the women's C1 and C2 (d = 1.15), and C3 and C4 (d = 0.48) classes. The absence of statistical differences between some women's bicycling classes may be due to a limited number of observations in these classifications. As expected, velocity was statistically different between men's (d = 1.64) and women's (d = 1.38) T1 and T2 classes. Road race performance was hierarchical within the disciplines of bicycling and tricycling, although not all adjacent women's bicycling classes were statistically different. The existence of a performance hierarchy does not necessarily validate the classification system. The integration of information regarding athlete impairment type and severity, with performance data, would provide greater insight into the validity of the classification system, and should be prioritized as an area of future research.

The aim of classification in Paralympic sport is to minimize the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of different types of impairments on para-cycling performance to develop an evidence-based classification system in the para-cycling C (bicycling) and T (tricycling) divisions.

This thesis is based on four articles. The first article examined differences in race performance between para-cycling classes by comparing track race results. The second article evaluated leg strength measures in para-cyclists with musculoskeletal impairments. The third article investigated leg coordination and leg strength and the association with para-cycling performance in para-cyclists with hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis. The fourth article aimed to gather consensus on para-cycling classification issues and to identify research priorities within para-cycling, by consulting a panel with expertise within para-cycling and para-sport.

This thesis has identified performance characteristics in para-cyclists with musculoskeletal and coordination impairments, and suggested tests with potential to be used in para-cycling classification to assess muscle strength and coordination. The results indicate that the classes for athletes with the least impairments, as well as the classes for athletes with impaired coordination, need to be further investigated.

OBJECTIVES: Whilst cycling performance has been studied extensively, very little is known about the performance of para-cyclists. This study assessed the relation between sprint power and road time trial performance in elite para-cyclists, and whether this relation differed based on impairment type and type of bike used.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

METHODS: During international para-cycling events, 168 athletes (88 bicycles, 17 tricycles, 56 recumbent handbikes and 7 kneeling handbikes) performed 20-s sport-specific sprint tests (mean power output (POmean) W), and their road time trial performance (average speed (km/h)) was taken from the official results. Multilevel regression models to assess the relation of sprint with time trial performance were composed for i. leg-cyclists: bicycle and tricycle and ii. arm-cyclists: recumbent- and kneeling handbike, adjusted for identified confounders. Furthermore, impairment type (categorized as i) muscle power/range of motion, ii) limb deficiency/leg length difference, and iii) coordination) and bike type were tested as effect modifiers.

RESULTS: POmean ranged from 303 ± 12 W for recumbent handcyclists to 482 ± 156 W for bicyclists. POmean was significantly related to time trial performance, for both leg-cyclists (β = 0.010, SE = 0.003, p < 0.01) and arm-cyclists (β = 0.029; SE = 0.005, p < 0.01), and impairment type and bike type were not found to be effect modifiers.

CONCLUSIONS: Sprint power was related to road time trial performance in all para-cyclists, with no differences found in this relation based on impairment type nor bike type. For those competing on a bicycle, tricycle, recumbent- or kneeling handbike, sprint tests might therefore be useful to predict or monitor time trial performance.