Original Article
Spinal Cord (2007) 45, 468–474; doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101989; published online 24 October 2006
Changes in oxygen uptake, shoulder muscles activity, and propulsion cycle timing during strenuous wheelchair exercise
S M Bernasconi1, N Tordi1, J Ruiz1 and B Parratte2
- 1EA 3920 'Physiopathologie cardiovasculaire et prévention', Laboratory of Sport Sciences, University of Franche-comte, Besançon, France
- 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital St Jacques, Besançon, France
Correspondence: S Bernasconi, Laboratory of Sport Sciences, Place St Jacques, 25030 Besançon Cedex, France
Abstract
Study design:
Cross-over study.
Objective:
To determine the effect of strenuous wheelchair exercise on oxygen uptake (
), muscle activity and propulsion cycle timing (including the push time and recovery time during one full arm cycle).
Setting:
Laboratory of Sport Sciences at the University of France-Comte in France.
Methods:
Two exercise bouts of 6-min duration were performed at a constant workload: (1) non-fatigable exercise (moderate workload) and (2) fatigable exercise (heavy workload). Measurement of 
, surface electromyographic activity (EMG) from shoulder muscles, and temporal parameters of wheelchair ergometer propulsion were collected from eight able-bodied men (26
4 years).
Results:
A progressive increase in 
associated with EMG alterations (P<0.05), and a decrease of the cycle and recovery time (P<0.05) during the heavy exercise. Whereas the push time remained constant, an increased muscle activation time (P<0.05) was found during heavy exercise.
Conclusion:
Observations during wheelchair ergometry indicate the development of fatigue and inefficient muscle coordination, which may contribute to deleterious stress distributions at the shoulder joint, increasing susceptibility to injury.
Keywords:
able-bodied, electromyography, fatigue, manual wheelchair, oxygen uptake, shoulder
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
RESEARCH
Spinal Cord Original Article
Spinal Cord Original Article
Spinal Cord Original Article
Isokinetic shoulder rotator muscles in wheelchair athletes
Spinal Cord Original Article
