title: Comparison of fat oxidation in arm cranking in spinal cord-injured people versus ergometry in cyclists.
abstract: The aim of our study was to establish the exercise intensity with the highest fat oxidation rate in spinal cord-injured (SCI) people compared with able-bodied subjects on a stationary ergometer in order to provide recommendations for ergometer training. Ten endurance-trained wheelchair athletes [ VO(2peak,armcranking ) 35.9 (5.7) ml x kg(-1) min(-1); mean (SE)] and ten endurance-trained cyclists [ VO(2peak,cycling ) 62.3 (4.6) ml x kg(-1) min(-1)] were studied over 20 min at 55%, 65% and 75% VO(2peak,armcranking) or VO(2peak,cycling) on a cycling ergometer, respectively, in order to find the intensity with the highest fat oxidation. Total energy expenditure, and highest oxidation rate for fat and carbohydrate were highest at 75% VO(2peak,armcranking) and VO(2peak,cycling). Relative fat oxidation was highest at 55% VO(2peak,armcranking) and VO(2peak,cycling). Wheelchair athletes showed a tendency for higher lactate concentrations at each intensity compared to cyclists. Well-trained wheelchair athletes and cyclists reach the highest fat oxidation in arm cranking, respectively, in cycling on a stationary ergometer at the same relative intensity of 75% VO(2peak,armcranking) and VO(2peak,cycling). We presume that well-trained wheelchair athletes can perform ergometer training on a stationary ergometer at 75% VO(2peak,armcranking). Results are presented as mean (SE).
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland. beat.knechtle@paranet.ch
authors.forename: Beat
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Knechtle
authors.forename: Gabi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Willmann
authors.forename: Prisca
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eser
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Knecht
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D013177:Sports; D014910:Wheelchairs