Effects of a wheelchair ergometer training programme on spinal cord-injured persons

STUDY DESIGN: Before and after investigation of the effects of a wheelchair ergometer Training programme. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of an original interval-training programme on work capacity and cardiorespiratory variables with spinal cord-injured persons (SCIP's) on a wheelchair-specific ergometer. SETTING: BESANCON, FRANCE. METHODS: Seven SCIP's (male) performed 45 min of wheelchair ergometry three times per week, for 6 weeks. Training effects on maximal dynamic performance and endurance capacity were studied by comparison of performance and cardiorespiratory responses observed during both a maximal progressive test (10 W/2 min) and the same training session performed before and after training. RESULTS: Training induced significant improvements in maximal tolerated power (+19.6%), in peak oxygen consumption (VO2,+16%), and in oxygen pulse (O2p,+18.7%). At ventilatory threshold, significant improvements were also observed in power output (+63%), VO2VT(+ 34.1), ventilation VEVT(+ 37.1%), and V2pVT(+ 19.9% ). Heart rate and ventilation were significantly lower (-11 and -14.6%, respectively) after training at the same work rate, while VO2 was unchanged. Between the first and the last training session, the total physical work was improved by 24.7%, whereas heart rate was unchanged. CONCLUSION: An interval-training programme individualised to each paraplegic subject using a wheelchair ergometer can significantly improve the fitness level and endurance capacity.