Article

OBJECTIVES: To compare the
cardiorespiratory responses with electrical stimulation (ES) producing either
dynamic leg cycling or intermittent isometric leg contractions using the same ES
protocol. SETTING: Sydney, Australia. METHODS: Eight paraplegics (T4-T11)
performed ES exercise sessions on two separate days. On day 1, cardiorespiratory
responses were measured during 5 min of rest followed by 35 min of cycling, and
finally 15 min of intermittent isometric exercise using the same ES parameters.
On the second day, after 5 min of rest, 35 min of isometric exercise was
performed followed by 15 min of cycling. RESULTS: There were no significant
differences during the first 35 min of exercise on each day comparing the two
modes of exercise for average rate of oxygen consumption (cycling, 534+/-128 ml
min(-1); isometric 558+/-146 ml min(-1); P=0.451), the average heart rate
(cycling, 93+/-15 b.p.m.; isometric 95+/-17 b.p.m.; P=0.264) or minute
ventilation (cycling, 23.0+/-6.5 l min(-1); isometric 23.8+/-6.7 l min(-1);
P=0.655). In addition, there were no significant differences between exercise
modes for any peak cardiorespiratory values recorded during the initial 35 min of
exercise or the following 15 min crossover exercise phase. CONCLUSION: The
current data found that intermittent ES leg isometric exercise elicited a similar
cardiorespiratory response compared with functional ES leg cycling, suggesting it
should be investigated as a viable alternative intervention for increasing whole
body metabolic rate during sustained exercise training sessions for individuals
with paralyzed muscles.

Langue : ANGLAIS