Recumbent cross-training is a feasible and safe mode of physical activity for significantly motor-impaired adults with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the feasibility and potential benefits of using recumbent cross-training for nonambulatory adults with cerebral palsy (CP).


METHODS
Observational.


METHODS
Clinical center for CP treatment and rehabilitation.


METHODS
Significantly motor-impaired adults with CP (N=11) with a mean age ± SD of 36.3±13.2 years and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV.


METHODS
Participants completed a 40-minute session of aerobic exercise using the NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer, in which resistance was progressively increased at 5-minute intervals.


METHODS
Every 5 minutes during the exercise session, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption (VO(2)), energy expenditure, and respiratory exchange ratios (RERs) were recorded along with rating of perceived exertion. Immediately after, and 24 hours postexercise, participants received a standard survey to assess levels of pain and discomfort.


RESULTS
All participants were able to complete the 40-minute exercise protocol. Five of the 11 participants achieved a heart rate of at least 60% maximum throughout the duration, 10 participants had a significant elevation in VO(2) from baseline, and all participants had elevated RER values. Six participants reported pain during exercise, but only 2 reported pain after exercise was over.


CONCLUSIONS
The NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer is a feasible exercise modality for significantly motor-impaired adults with CP, GMFCS III and IV. Moreover, this mode was sufficient to stimulate a significant cardiorespiratory response in all participants, and thus it and similar devices may serve as a viable option for aerobic exercise interventions in this population, to prevent obesity and related cardiometabolic consequences.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Mark D
MD
Peterson
Leah
L
Lukasik
Timothy
T
Muth
Phil
P
Esposito
Heidi
H
Haapala
Paul M
PM
Gordon
Heidi
H
IglayReger
Edward A
EA
Hurvitz
D000328:Adult; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training