Effects of Modified Electrical Stimulation-Induced Leg Cycle Ergonometer Training for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
By Janssen, Thomas W.J.; Pringle, D. Drew; Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 45, No. 6, pp. 819-830Publication Date: 2008
Study explored the effect of modified computer-controlled electrical stimulation-induced leg cycle ergometer (ES-LCE) exercise for individuals with spinal-cord injury (SCI). Modifications to the ES-LCE included increased ES current amplitude from 140 to 300 milliamperes, added shank muscle activation, and ES firing angles widened by 55 degrees. The effect of training with the modified ES-LCE was assessed in a study with 12 male participants with chronic SCI. Following graded exercise tests on a standard ES-LCE and on the modified system, participants trained using the modified ES-LCE for a total of 18 sessions over 6 weeks. After the training period, participants performed a graded exercise test on the modified system. No significantly different peak values for power output and stroke volume were found for the two systems, but the modified ES-LCE elicited significantly increased peak values for (1) oxygen uptake, by 22 percent; (2) carbon dioxide production, by 51 percent; (3) pulmonary ventilation, by 37 percent; (4) cardiac output, by 32 percent; (5) heart rate, by 19 percent; and (6) blood lactate concentration, by 50 percent. Power output, metabolic rate, and lower-limb muscle strength increased significantly following training. The study showed that an interval training program with the modified ES-LCE can elicit marked improvement in performance, peak metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses, and muscle strength in men with SCI.
Published by:
VA Rehabilitation Research & Development Service (Web Site: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov )
Link to text: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/08/45/6/janssen.html
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J55443
