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 .
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function and repetitive sprint performance in wheelchair basketball players
Background There is considerable evidence that respiratory muscle training improves pulmonary function , quality of life and exercise performance in healthy athletic population s. The benefits for wheelchair athletes are less well understood . Therefore , in the present study , influence of inspiratory muscle training ( IMT ) on respiratory function and repetitive propulsive sprint performance in wheelchair basketball players was examined . Methods Using a placebo-controlled design , 16 wheelchair athletes were divided to an experimental ( IMT ; n=8 ) or placebo ( sham-IMT ; n=8 ) group based on selective grouping criteria . 30 dynamic breaths were performed by the IMT group twice daily at a resistance equivalent to 50 % maximum inspiratory pressure ( MIP ) , and 60 slow breaths were performed by the sham-IMT group once a day at 15 % MIP for a period of 6 weeks . Results In the IMT group , both MIP and maximum expiratory pressure ( 17 % and 23 % , respectively ; p≤0.03 ) were improved . Similar improvements were noted for the sham-IMT group with 23 % and 33 % from baseline for MIP and maximum expiratory pressure , respectively ( p≤0.03 ) . There were no significant changes in pulmonary function at rest and any of the performance parameters associated with the repetitive sprint test ( sprint and recovery times , peak heart rate and peak blood lactate concentration ) . Reported experiences of using the IMT training device suggested “ less breathlessness ” and “ less tightness in the chest during the training ” . Conclusions Although there was no improvement in sprint performance , an improved respiratory muscle function and quality of life were reported by participants in both the IMT and sham-IMT groups
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 .