Valent LJ, Dallmeijer AJ, Houdijk H, Slootman HJ, Janssen TW, Post MW, van der Woude LH
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a structured hand cycle training program in individuals with chronic tetraplegia. Twenty-two patients with tetraplegia at least 2 years since injury participated in an 8- to 12-week hand cycle interval training program. Measures Primary outcomes of physical capacity were: peak power output (POpeak) and peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2)peak), as determined in hand cycle peak exercise tests on a motor-driven treadmill. Secondary outcome measures were: peak muscle strength (force-generating capacity) of the upper extremities (as assessed by handheld dynamometry), respiratory function (forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow) and participant-reported shoulder pain.
The results showed that patients with tetraplegia were able to improve their physical capacity through regular hand cycle interval training, without participant-reported shoulder-arm pain or discomfort.
Physical Therapy, 2009 Jul 30, online article ahead of print