The Physiological Effects of Two Modes of Endurance Training In Persons With SCI

Abstract

2090 Introduction: Arm ergometry (AE) and wheelchair propulsion are the two primary modes of exercise training available to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The physiological adaptations to exercise training using upper extremity press/pull (UEPP) motions have not been extensively investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological adaptations to reciprocal UEPP training with AE training in chronic survivors of SCI. Methods: Ten subjects (8 males and 2 females, 5 paraplegics and 3 quadriplegics) participated in this study (38.0» 12.3 yrs. and 79.0» 22.2 kg). Subjects were assigned to one of two endurance-training groups, either AE endurance training or reciprocal UEPP endurance training. Both groups trained 3 days/wk over an 8-wk study period. The training intensity for both groups was 70 – 85% peak heart rate. All subjects participated in peak AE testing, arm Wingate Anaerobic Testing (WAnT), and isokinetic strength testing prior to and following the training period. The peak AE tests were performed using a discontinuous protocol on a Monark arm ergometer. Metabolic responses and heart rate were continuously monitored via open-circuit spirometry and 12-lead EKG. The initial stage was performed without resistance at 50 rpm for three min. Subsequent stages progressed with increases of 10W/stage. WAnT was performed on a Monark 834 ergometer mounted to an adjustable table with resistance applied to the flywheel equivalent to 3.5% of the subjects' body mass. Isokinetic strength was determined for shoulder and elbow flexion and extension with velocity fixed at 60 degrees/sec. Results: Peak VO2 significantly increased 14% and 15% for UEPP and AE, respectively, with no significant differences detected between groups. Mean WAnT power increased significantly in the UEPP group (105 W to 111 W (P< 0.05) with no statistically significant training effects detected in the AE group. Elbow extension and shoulder flexion force significantly increased in the UEPP group with no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Chronic survivors of SCI can significantly improve their upper extremity cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and muscular power by undergoing a short-term reciprocal UEPP training program.