Aerobic energy expenditure of handicapped children after training

The effect is reported of a 10-week physical training program, consisting of three sessions with a total duration of two hours weekly, on the physical work capacity and efficiency of physically handicapped children aged 8 to 14 years. The program for the experimental group (n = 6) was an intensification of the usual school physical education activities. The control group (n = 5) received the usual physical education. The intensity of training was measured by heart rate recording. In the experimental group attempts were made to achieve heart rate values higher than 160 beats/min as long as possible. The relationship of oxygen uptake (VO2) to heart rate and to workload was determined before and after the end of the training program by submaximal bicycle ergometer tests. After the training program a significant decrease in VO2 at different workloads was found (delta oxygen uptake/delta workload remained unchanged). No effect of the training program on the relationship of oxygen uptake and heart rate was found. The implication of this study is that the children can perform the same amount of external work after training as before training but with a lower expenditure of aerobic energy. The decrease of the oxygen uptakes for the workloads used could be induced by enhanced coordination of movement.