Conclusion : Exercise training programs seem to be effective in improving wheelchair propulsion capacity .
However , there is remarkably little research , particularly for individuals who do not have spinal-cord injury
Objective : An adequate wheelchair propulsion capacity is required to perform daily life activities .
Exercise training may be effective to gain or improve wheelchair propulsion capacity .
This review investigates whether different types of exercise training programs are effective in improving wheelchair propulsion capacity .
Interval training program on a wheelchair ergometer for paraplegic subjects
Background : Various combinations of training intensity , duration and frequency are often proposed to people with spinal cord injuries in order to improve their fitness . However , no consensus about a specific training program has been reached for such a population . Objective : This study investigated the effects of a short interval training program specifically design ed for patients with spinal cord injuries . Methods : Paraplegic men performed 30-min wheelchair ergometry three times per week , for 4 weeks .  Maximal dynamic performance and endurance capacity were studied before and after the training program with an incremental test ( 10 W/2 min ) until volitional fatigue and a constant work rate test , respectively . Cardiorespiratory responses were continuously studied during each of these tests . Results : Training induced significant improvement in maximal tolerated power ( + 27.9 % ) , and in peak oxygen consumption ( [ Vdot ] O2 , + 18.5 % ) . After training the subjects were able to maintain the load applied during the constant test ( total mechanical work + 210.7 % ) , for a significantly longer time . The heart rate , [ Vdot ] O2 and ventilation values observed when the volunteers ended their first constant load test were significantly higher ( + 10 % , + 10 % , + 40 % respectively ) than those obtained after a similar time period during the second constant load test which was performed after the training program . Conclusion : After this short training period , with an appropriate combination of different types of training , duration , intensity and frequency exercises , we observed a significant improvement in the fitness level and endurance capacity of paraplegic subjects . Spinal Cord ( 2001 ) 39 , 532–537
Conclusion : Exercise training programs seem to be effective in improving wheelchair propulsion capacity .
However , there is remarkably little research , particularly for individuals who do not have spinal-cord injury
Objective : An adequate wheelchair propulsion capacity is required to perform daily life activities .
Exercise training may be effective to gain or improve wheelchair propulsion capacity .
This review investigates whether different types of exercise training programs are effective in improving wheelchair propulsion capacity .