Abstract
Recently a FES (functional electrical stimulation)-assisted rowing machine was developed to enhance cardiovascular training in people with spinal cord injuries. The machine was assessed in terms of its efficacy as a training tool. Six patients who were quadriplegic (C6–T1) and 2 who were paraplegic (T3–6) completed a series of three tests in succession: (1) leg stimulation only (quadriceps and hamstring groups)—‘Stim’, (2) arm row only—‘Row’ and (3) simultaneous row and stimulation—‘R & S’. Measurements recorded included oxygen uptake (VO2), minute ventilation (Ve), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). In addition, 6 out of the 8 subjects took part in a qualitative assessment comprising a guided interview exploring the subject's perception of the machine and test.
Significant increases in VO2 were demonstrated between the three tests with R & S producing mean steady-state values of 16.34 nm (± 0.74) ml/kg/min (83% of maximum). These values represented a 12% increase over Row alone. Of interest was the qualitative assessment which revealed that subjects perceived R & S to be easier than Row despite the higher levels of VO2 observed. The results suggest that the rowing machine represents a potentially valuable hybrid training device that may significantly reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and improve the quality of life of people with SCI.
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Laskin, J., Ashley, E., Olenik, L. et al. Electrical stimulation-assisted rowing exercise in spinal cord injured people. A pilot study. Spinal Cord 31, 534–541 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1993.87
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1993.87
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