Physiological characteristics of trained Australian paraplegic and tetraplegic subjects

Sixteen male Australian paraplegic and tetraplegic subjects competing at the 1977 FESPIC games underwent a physiological assessment. The assessment included a neurological examination, anthropometry, spirometry, maximum oxygen consumption using a wheelchair and motor driven treadmill and a 5 minute post exercise blood lactate. Eight subjects had won gold medals at international competitions for the disabled, and, at the time of testing, two of the subjects were world record holders in track and field events. Spirometry was consistent with other reported values with FVC and FEV1.0 being 4.94 and 4.25 l respectively. The cardiorespiratory data revealed a mean VO2max 2.04+/-0.64 l min-1, and 33.0+/-9.4 ml kg-1 min-1; VE STPD, 60.75+/-22.64 l min-1; maximum heart rate 179+/-20 b min-1 and post exercise lactate 11.73+/-1.94 mM. It was concluded that many physiological variables measured on the Australian subjects at rest and during maximum work were comparable to other trained disabled athletes.