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Evaluation of myocardial performance during wheelchair ergometer exercise
American Journal of Physical Medicine
|December 1, 1981
Summary
This study demonstrates that impedance cardiography can effectively assess heart function during wheelchair exercise. These non-invasive techniques provide valuable insights into myocardial performance for wheelchair-dependent individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Wheelchair confinement is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Assessing myocardial performance in wheelchair users is crucial.
- Non-invasive stress testing methods are needed for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt impedance cardiography for graded wheelchair exercise.
- To evaluate myocardial performance during wheelchair ergometry.
- To establish non-invasive assessment methods for wheelchair users.
Main Methods:
- 9 wheelchair-dependent volunteers performed graded wheelchair ergometry (WERG) at 10, 20, 30 watts.
- Impedance cardiography (ZCG), ECG, and PCG were recorded post-exercise.
- Cardiac output (Q) and systolic time intervals were calculated.
Main Results:
- Hemodynamic and contractility indices (e.g., delta V, Q, Heather Index) increased with power output.
- Systolic time intervals (e.g., Q-S2, PEP/LVET ratio) decreased with exercise intensity.
- A linear relationship between cardiac output and oxygen uptake was observed.
Conclusions:
- Impedance cardiography is a viable non-invasive tool for assessing myocardial performance during wheelchair exercise.
- Combined ZCG, ECG, and PCG offer comprehensive cardiac assessment.
- This method supports cardiovascular health monitoring in wheelchair-dependent individuals.