An Investigation of the Exercise Capacity of the Wheelchair Sports USA Team

Abstract

This investigation collected descriptive data on selected metabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters for Wheelchair Sports-USA (WS-USA) Elite and Developmental Team members to determine if differences in these parameters occurred between arm-crank ergometry (ACE) and wheelchair ergometry (WCE). Fifteen men with paraplegia, seven women with paraplegia, four men with tetraplegia, and three women with tetraplegia were tested. Multiple t-tests were used to determine if there were significant differences between responses to the two modes of exercise and also to compare athletes by disability etiology (tetraplegia versus paraplegia), gender, and training base (aerobic versus anaerobic). Both modes of exercise (ACE, WCE) elicited similar peak metabolic responses. Although some individuals responded differently to the two tests, none of the groupings showed significant differences (p > 0.05). Metabolic values show some dependence on gender and disability etiology. The results indicate that WS-USA team members in general are quite aerobically fit. Some athletes in anaerobic sports could benefit from aerobic exercise.