Effect of arm ergometry training on wheelchair propulsion endurance of individuals with quadriplegia.

Arm cycle ergometry has been shown to be an effective mode of cardiopulmonary training for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Arm cycle ergometry training results in an increased maximal oxygen uptake, exercise-induced bradycardia, and increased physical work capacity. Whether improvements in cardiopulmonary function parallel improvements in functional endurance, however, is unknown. In addition, no readily available tool to evaluate improvements in functional endurance has been identified. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of arm cycle ergometry training on the wheelchair propulsion endurance of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Eight adult men with quadriplegia were evaluated before and after eight weeks of arm cycle ergometry training. A modified Cooper's 12-minute run-walk test, a sustained wheelchair propulsion task, was used to document improvements in functional endurance. Submaximal exercise heart rate, physical work capacity, and maximal oxygen uptake were used to document improvements in cardiopulmonary function. The results demonstrate that improvements in cardiopulmonary function parallel increases in wheelchair propulsion endurance. A sustained 12-minute wheelchair propulsion task is shown to be a readily available tool in the evaluation of functional endurance of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The improvements in wheelchair propulsion endurance should assist the individual in completing activities of school, work, recreation, and daily living.