Effects of a wheelchair ergometer training programme on spinal cord-injured persons.
METHODS
Before and after investigation of the effects of a wheelchair ergometer Training programme.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of an original interval-training programme on work capacity and cardiorespiratory variables with spinal cord-injured persons (SCIP's) on a wheelchair-specific ergometer.


METHODS
BESANCON, FRANCE.


METHODS
Seven SCIP's (male) performed 45 min of wheelchair ergometry three times per week, for 6 weeks. Training effects on maximal dynamic performance and endurance capacity were studied by comparison of performance and cardiorespiratory responses observed during both a maximal progressive test (10 W/2 min) and the same training session performed before and after training.


RESULTS
Training induced significant improvements in maximal tolerated power (+19.6%), in peak oxygen consumption (VO2,+16%), and in oxygen pulse (O2p,+18.7%). At ventilatory threshold, significant improvements were also observed in power output (+63%), VO2VT(+ 34.1), ventilation VEVT(+ 37.1%), and V2pVT(+ 19.9% ). Heart rate and ventilation were significantly lower (-11 and -14.6%, respectively) after training at the same work rate, while VO2 was unchanged. Between the first and the last training session, the total physical work was improved by 24.7%, whereas heart rate was unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
An interval-training programme individualised to each paraplegic subject using a wheelchair ergometer can significantly improve the fitness level and endurance capacity.
Bougenot
M-P
MP
Laboratoire des Sciences du Sport, Place Saint Jacques, Besançon, France.
Tordi
N
N
Betik
A C
AC
Martin
X
X
Le Foll
D
D
Parratte
B
B
Lonsdorfer
J
J
Rouillon
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D016552:Ergometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D014910:Wheelchairs