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Locomotor-respiratory coupling during wheelchair propulsion
M L MacDonald1, R L Kirby, S T Nugent
1Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Locomotor-respiratory coupling (LRC) was investigated in wheelchair athletes. Rhythmic arm movements during wheelchair propulsion did not appear to induce LRC, suggesting visceral piston mechanics are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Locomotion Studies
Background:
- Locomotor-respiratory coupling (LRC) is observed in mammals, birds, and bats.
- Visceral movement from impact loading is a proposed mechanism for LRC.
- Wing muscle influence on respiration timing is dominant in LRC for flying vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if LRC occurs in humans propelling wheelchairs.
- To investigate the role of arm locomotion in LRC.
- To determine if arm-based propulsion without impact loading induces LRC.
Main Methods:
- Studied 10 wheelchair athletes on a motorized treadmill at three speeds.
- Utilized spectral analysis (fast Fourier transform) to analyze cardiorespiratory and arm-thrust data.
- Performed control analysis comparing arm-thrust rates with unrelated breathing rates.
Main Results:
- Apparent LRC was detected in 40% of test settings.
- Control analysis revealed false coupling in 27% of settings, not significantly different.
- Statistical analysis did not support the hypothesis of LRC during wheelchair propulsion.
Conclusions:
- Wheelchair propulsion, characterized by arm movements without impact loading, does not appear to induce LRC.
- Findings support the theory that visceral piston mechanics are important for LRC.
- Rhythmic arm movements alone may be insufficient to cause LRC in humans.