Influence of Varied Tempo Music on Wheelchair Mechanical Efficiency Following 3-Week Practice

Int J Sports MedDOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268439AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyse adaptations in propulsion technique and gross efficiency in novice able-bodied subjects during the initial phase of learning hand-rim wheelchair propulsion to music. 22 able bodied participants performed wheelchair propulsion (1.1 m·s−1) followed by a V˙O2 peak test on a wheelchair ergometer. Push frequency, gross efficiency (GE), heart rate, rating of perceived exertion and propulsion technique variables (force application and temporal characteristics) were recorded. Participants were then assigned to a 3-wk practice period listening to i) 125 beats·min−1 tempo music (LOW); ii) 170 beats·min−1 tempo music (HIGH); or iii) a control group (CON). Following practice, all parti...