Article

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of spinal cord
injury level and duration to peak aerobic capacities during arms-only rowing
compared with hybrid Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)-rowing. DESIGN:
Comparison of peak aerobic capacity (VO2), peak ventilation, peak respiratory
exchange ratio, and peak heart rate were measured during arms-only rowing and
FES-rowing obtained from graded exercise tests. RESULTS: Peak aerobic values were
strongly related to injury level and injury duration for both arms-only rowing (r
= 0.67, P < 0.05) and FES-rowing (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). Peak aerobic capacities
were greater across all injury levels and durations with FES-rowing compared with
arms-only rowing. Differences in VO2 were inversely related to injury level (r =
0.55, P < 0.05) with greater increases in VO2 in higher level injuries. Injury
durations of less than 2 yrs had greater percent increases in VO2 with
FES-rowing. CONCLUSIONS: FES-rowing acutely post injury may have the greatest
effect to maintain function and improve VO2. This impact seems to be greatest in
those with higher level injuries.

Langue : ANGLAIS