Relationship in humans between spontaneously chosen crank rate and power output during upper body exercise at different levels of intensity

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between spontaneously chosen crank rate (SCCR) and power output during two upper body exercise te sts: firstly, an incremental maximal aerobic power test (T-1), with an init ial intensity of 50 W followed by 15-W increases at each subsequent 90-s st age and secondly, a test (T-2) with consecutive exercise periods set at 50% , 60%, 70%, 80%, 110% and 120% of maximal power (P-max) separated by passiv e recovery periods. Eight nationally and internationally ranked kayakers, a ged 20 (SD 2) years, performed the tests. During both T-1 and T-2, mean SCC R values were correlated (I = 1) and increased significantly (P < 0.05) in association with the increases in power output. The finding that the subjec ts consistently increased their crank rate as the power output increased in different tests, i.e. at submaximal, maximal and supramaximal intensities, strongly suggests that SCCR depended on power output and not on the type o f exercise (incremental or rectangular exercise). Moreover, the equation re lating crank rate and power output determined from T-1 suggests that it may be used to predict the crank rate which will be chosen in upper body exerc ise, whatever the intensity. Finally, the results of testing at 110% and 12 0% of P-max would suggest that a high crank rate ( > 90 rpm) should be used during the test procedure using supramaximal exercises where accumulated o xygen deficit is calculated, and more particularly when exercise is perform ed using the upper body.