Effect of Adapted Ergometer Setup and Rowing Speed on Lower Extremity Loading in People with and Without Spinal Cord...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Disuse osteoporosis is prevalent in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
• Functional electrical stimulation-assisted rowing (FES rowing) is a therapeutic exercise to mitigate bone loss.
• Variability in FES rowing's efficacy suggests inconsistent mechanical loading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how ergometer setup and rowing speed influence lower extremity loading during FES rowing.
• To identify key parameters for optimizing mechanical load during FES rowing for bone health in SCI.

Main Methods:

• Twenty able-bodied individuals and one individual with SCI participated.
• Participants completed rowing tasks on an adapted ergometer with varied speeds and seat positions.
• Key biomechanical parameters including foot reaction force, knee moment, and tibiofemoral force were measured.

Main Results:

• Able-bodied rowers generated 0.22-0.45 body weight (BW) in foot reaction forces, increasing with faster speeds, forward seat position, and greater knee range of motion (RoM).
• The SCI participant exhibited peak foot reaction force (0.39 BW) with a small knee RoM and rear seat position.
• The highest tibiofemoral force (2.23 BW) in the SCI participant occurred with a large knee RoM or rear seat position.

Conclusions:

• Ergometer configuration and rowing speed significantly impact lower limb loading during FES rowing.
• Further research with a larger SCI cohort is needed to refine these findings.
• Standardizing ergometer settings based on these parameters can enhance rehabilitation protocols for improved bone health in SCI.