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Circuit resistance training in persons with complete paraplegia
Patrick L Jacobs1, Edward T Mahoney, Mark S Nash
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA. pjacobs@miamiproject.med.miami.edu
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|April 3, 2002
Summary
Circuit resistance training (CRT) provides a viable cardiorespiratory exercise option for individuals with paraplegia. This intense exercise relies on glycolytic metabolism, meeting criteria for exercise prescriptions in non-disabled populations.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Individuals with complete paraplegia (T5-T12) often have limited exercise options.
- Assessing the metabolic and heart rate (HR) responses to circuit resistance training (CRT) is crucial for understanding its applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the metabolic and HR responses to a single CRT session in individuals with paraplegia.
- To determine the caloric cost of CRT in this population.
Main Methods:
- Six subjects with paraplegia completed one CRT session involving weight training and arm ergometry.
- Continuous monitoring of oxygen uptake (VO2) and HR was performed.
- Caloric cost was calculated from VO2, with data expressed as percentages of peak VO2 and HR.
Main Results:
- Mean VO2 was 11.6 ml/kg/min, and mean HR was 136 beats/min, representing 49.0% of peak VO2 and 76.8% of peak HR.
- Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) values averaged above unity, indicating reliance on glycolytic metabolism.
- The exercise intensity met established criteria for cardiorespiratory exercise prescriptions.
Conclusions:
- Circuit resistance training (CRT) is a suitable cardiorespiratory exercise modality for individuals with paraplegia.
- The high RER values suggest CRT is an intense exercise primarily utilizing glycolytic pathways.
- CRT can be prescribed for individuals with paraplegia based on established exercise guidelines.