Detraining from total body exercise ergometry in individuals with spinal cord injury

This study was designed to investigate the effects of detraining that occurred during an 8 week period of muscular inactivity following a 12 week training program of artificial computerized functional electrical stimulation cycle ergometry (CFES LE) and arm ergometry. Six spinal cord injured male individuals were followed through an 8 week detraining period that was preceded by a 12 week exercise program including CFES LE and arm ergometry. Maximal graded exercise tests were completed and measurements of peak oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), ventilation (VE) workload, and creatine kinase were taken. Testing occurred at initial training (0T), after 12 weeks of training (12T), and after 8 weeks of detraining (DT). After the training program, peak VO2 increased significantly from 0.562 +/- 0.126 (0T) to 1.021 +/- 0.247 l/min (12T, P < 0.05). After DT, peak VO2 decreased to 0.791 +/- 0.216 l/min, which was lower than 12T (P < 0.05), yet higher than 0T (P < 0.05). After DT, peak workoad had decreased from 0.675 +/- 0.203 (12T) to 0.32 +/- 0.203 kp (P < 0.05), which was not different than 0T. Creatine kinase levels were significantly lower both at 12T and DT compared to 0T (P < 0.05). In addition, this training program induced linear increases in both VO2 and HR with workload, which were retained after DT. These increases did not reach statistical significance. however. No apparent relationship existed between these values at baseline. There were no significant differences in submaximal or peak HR of VE between the three testing periods. The results indicate that both peripheral muscular adaptations and central distribution adaptations in SCI individuals are partially maintained following 8 weeks of DT from CFES LE and arm ergometry.