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 (V O2+16%), and in oxygen pulse (O2p,+18.7%).At ventilatory threshold, significant improvements were also observed in power output (+63%), V O2VT(+ 34.1), ventilation V EVT(+ 37.1%), and V 2pVT(+ 19.9% ). Heart rate and ventilation were significantly lower (−11 and −14.6%, respectively) after training at the same work rate, while V O2 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.