Handcycling: training effects of a specific dose of upper body endurance training in females

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate a handcycling training protocol based on ACSM guidelines in a well-controlled laboratory setting. Training responses of a specific dose of handcycling training were quantified in a homogeneous female subject population to obtain a more in depth understanding of physiological mechanisms underlying adaptations in upper body training. Methods: 22 female able-bodied participants were randomly divided in a training (T) and control group (C). T received 7-weeks of handcycling training, 3 × 30 min/week at 65 % heart rate reserve (HRR). An incremental handcycling test was used to determine local, exercise-specific adaptations. An incremental cycling test was performed to determine non-exercise-specific central/cardiovascular adaptations. Peak oxygen uptake (peakVO2), heart rate (peakHR) and power output (peakPO) were compared between T and C before and after training. Results: T completed the training sessions at 65 ± 3 % HRR, at increasing power output (59.4 ± 8.2 to 69.5 ± 8.9 W) over the training program. T improved on handcycling peakVO2 (+18.1 %), peakPO (+31.9 %), and peakHR (+4.0 %). No improvements were found in cycling parameters. Conclusion: Handcycling training led to local, exercise-specific improvements in upper body parameters. Results could provide input for the design of effective evidence-based training programs specifically aimed at upper body endurance exercise in females

Praktijkervaringen met waterberging in natuur(ontwikkelings)gebieden : hoofdrapport pilotprogramma waterberging en natuur

In 2002 is het “Pilotprogramma Waterberging-Natuur”gestart. Het hoofddoel van het pilotprogramma was waterbeheerders, terreinbeherende instanties en provincies te ondersteunen in het koppelen van de functies waterberging en natuur. Daarbij is het pilotprogramma primair gericht geweest op het opdoen en verspreiden van ervaringskennis. Dit rapport geeft een overzicht van de belangrijkste resultaten van het pilotprogramma waterberging-natuur. Naast dit hoofdrapport is er per pilot een achtergrondrapport beschikbaar waar in meer detail wordt ingegaan op aanpak van de monitoring en de resultaten. Een samenwerking tussen vele partijen: WUR, Deltares, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, RU Groningen, Twentse Vogelwerkgroep, waterschappen, Rijkswaterstaat en LNV (Natuur, Kennis