The purpose of this study was to develop a human-powered watercraft for people with lower-body disabilities and investigate its mechanical efficiency and metabolic cost of locomotion. Metabolic variables and mechanical power output was measured during different trials and the results showed a linear correlation between metabolic power and mechanical power. Energy expenditure when pedalling the watercraft was similar to other physical activities performed by people with lower-body disabilities and could as a result, be an alternative fitness tool for those who seek water activities.
Fuglsang, Thomas; Spoladore, Massimo; Piazza, Michele Dalla; and Paolo Ardigò, Luca
"DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF A NOVEL HUMAN-POWERED WATERCRAFT FOR PEOPLE WITH LOWER-BODY DISABILITIES,"
ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 35:
1, Article 214.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol35/iss1/214