TITLE:
Hand rim wheelchair training: Effects of intensity and duration on physical capacity
AUTHORS:
Sonja de Groot, Jan W. van der Scheer, Jordi A. van der Windt, Joske Nauta, Louise J. C. van der Hijden, Linda Luigjes, Lucas H. V. van der Woude
KEYWORDS:
Wheelchairs; Oxygen Consumption; Work Capacity; Physical Education and Training
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.6B,
June
17,
2013
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to
compare the effects of intensity and duration of training on physical capacity
in a 7 weeks hand rim wheelchair training in able-bodied men. Thirty-six
able-bodied men participated in three groups: a 30% heart rate reserve (HRR) 70
min training group (N = 14), a 70% HRR
30 minutes training group (N = 13)
and a 30% HRR 30 minutes training group (N = 9). All groups trained 3 times per week for 7 weeks on a treadmill. Pre and
post tests on a wheelchair ergometer comprised a submaximal test at 20% and 40%
of the estimated peak power output, in which submaximal heart
rate, oxygen uptake and mechanical efficiency were determined. In maximal
exercise tests, maximal isometric strength, sprint power, peak power output and
peak oxygen uptake were measured. No significant differences were found between
the training groups on submaximal and maximal parameters. It can be concluded
that, in persons new to wheelchair use, seven weeks of wheelchair endurance
training at an intensity of 30% HRR for 30 minutes is as effective as a
training at a higher intensity (70% HRR) or with a longer duration (70 min).