Article

PURPOSE: To investigate effects and working mechanisms of low-intensity aerobic
wheelchair exercise on fitness, (upper-body) health and active lifestyle in
inactive persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A multicenter
randomized-controlled trial (RCT) in 40 inactive manual wheelchair users (aged
28-65y) with chronic paraplegia or tetraplegia (time since injury >10y). Subjects
will be randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The intervention
will consist of 16 weeks (2 times per week, 30 min per session) of low-intensity
aerobic handrim wheelchair exercise (30-40% HRR) on a treadmill. Repeated
measurements will be performed before starting the intervention or entrance of
the control group, and after week 8, 16 and 42 following the start. The primary
outcome will be wheelchair-specific physical fitness. Secondary outcomes will be
upper-body pain and discomfort, shoulder load, propulsion technique, wheelchair
skill performance and physical activity levels.
CONCLUSIONS: Results of this
first RCT on low-intensity aerobic wheelchair exercise for inactive persons with
chronic SCI can improve SCI-specific exercise guidelines and provide an
evidence-base for an aftercare program aimed at preserving fitness, health and
active lifestyle of persons aging with SCI.

Langue : ANGLAIS