Maximal physiological response during exertion in quadriplegic subjects

Abstract

Devices used for the assessment of physical working capacity in quadriplegics may be determinant in terms of efficiency during maximal exercise testing. The aim of this study was to compare the physiological responses of a group of quadriplegics during graded exercise tests on arm cranking ergometer (ACE) and wheelchair ergometer (WE). Fifty subjects, age 34.1 (+/- 9.5) years, participated in the study. Measurements comprised heart rate, ventilation, oxygen consumption, and power output. Unlike other studies suggesting a higher physical working capacity on ACE compared with WE, no significant differences were observed in physiological measurements between the two ergometers. However, power output on ACE was 65% higher than that of WE (p < or = 0.001). These results suggest that power output of quadriplegics on ACE is higher due to differences in mechanical patterns required to induce movements of propelling (arm cranking vs. rolling movements). The need to link the assessment results to the type of locomotion used by the spinal cord injured persons may suggest the use of WE for testing and training in such individuals.