Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of spinal cord injury level and duration to peak aerobic capacities during arms-only rowing compared with hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-rowing. Comparison of peak aerobic capacity (VO2), peak ventilation, peak respiratory exchange ratio, and peak heart rate were measured during arms-only rowing and FES-rowing obtained from graded exercise tests. Peak aerobic values were strongly related to injury level and injury duration for both arms-only rowing (r = 0.67, P < 0.05) and FES-rowing (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). Peak aerobic capacities were greater across all injury levels and durations with FES-rowing compared with arms-only rowing. Differences in VO2 were inversely related to injury level (r = 0.55, P < 0.05) with greater increases in VO2 in higher level injuries. Injury durations of less than 2 yrs had greater percent increases in VO2 with FES-rowing. FES-rowing acutely post injury may have the greatest effect to maintain function and improve VO2. This impact seems to be greatest in those with higher level injuries.
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