Riccardo Pappalardo
Power Correction Model for Inclusive Handcycling on the Zwift Platform.
Rel. Laura Gastaldi, Varagnolo Damiano. Politecnico di Torino, Corso di laurea magistrale in Ingegneria Biomedica, 2025
Abstract
Virtual cycling platforms such as Zwift have become widely used for indoor training and competition but remain primarily optimized for traditional leg-powered bicycles. As a result, handcyclists face a significant disadvantage, since upper-body power output is inherently lower than that generated by the legs—leading to an unbalanced, often discouraging experience. This study presents the development and validation of a power correction model designed to bridge this performance gap and promote inclusivity in virtual cycling environments. A custom-designed handbike was created to produce a digital twin and was physically modified for improved comfort and stability. The setup included a crankset-driven handcycle connected to a CompuTrainer, with an Arduino Due-based interface programmed to acquire and adjust power signals in real time before transmitting them to Zwift.
Twenty-eight university students participated in the study
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