Physical Capacity After 7 Weeks of Low-Intensity Wheelchair Training
By Van den Berg, Rosaline; de Groot, Sonja; Swart, Karin M.A.; Van der Woude, Lucas H.V.; Disability and Rehabilitation, Vol. 32, No. 21, pp. 1713-1721Publication Date: 2010
Study investigated whether a 7 weeks low intensity norm duration handrim wheelchair training program can induce favorable effects in the physical capacity of able bodied, untrained male participants, thus simulating to some extent training effects in the early rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury. Physical capacity is defined as the ability of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems to meet the demands of increased levels of physical activity. Participants, 25 able bodied men aged 18 to 30 years, were randomly assigned to a 10 member experimental and a 15 member control group. Control group participants exercised 7 weeks, 3 times a week at 30 percent heart rate reserve (HRR) for 30 minutes, propelling a wheelchair on a motor driven treadmill, while the control group did not receive training. Physical capacity (maximal isometric strength, sprint power, peak power output, and peak oxygen uptake) and submaximal performance (heart rate, oxygen uptake, and mechanical efficiency) were assessed pre and post training. The levels of upper body discomfort were determined with the use of a Local Perceived Discomfort scale. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in sprint power of 31.2 percent, peak aerobic power output of 34 percent, and submaximal heart rate, oxygen uptake, and mechanical efficiency of 16.9 percent. Participants did not experience high levels of local discomfort in the upper body during training.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
