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 .
Physical work capacity after 7 wk of wheelchair training: effect of intensity in able-bodied subjects.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to study the effects of a 7-wk wheelchair training program on physical work capacity in able-bodied subjects . Effects of training intensities of 50 and 70 % heart rate ( HR ) reserve ( HRR ) were studied for different subject groups . METHODS Twenty-seven able-bodied male subjects participated in this study . They were r and omly divided into a control group ( N = 8) , a 50%-intensity group ( N = 9 ) , and a 70%-intensity group ( N = 10 ) . The 50%- and the 70%-intensity groups received a 7-wk wheelchair training program : three times a week , one-half hour wheelchair exercise on a motor driven treadmill at an average intensity of 50 and 70 % of the HRR , respectively . Before and after the training period , parameters for physical work capacity ( maximal isometric strength ( Fiso ) , sprint power ( P30 ) , maximal power output ( POmax ) and peak oxygen uptake ( VO2peak ) ) , and submaximal performance ( mechanical efficiency , HR ) at 20 and 40 % of the estimated POmax ( ME20 , ME40 ; HR20 , HR40 ) were obtained during tests on a stationary wheelchair ergometer . RESULTS A two-factor ANOVA for repeated measures on the within-subjects factor " pre-post tests , " the between-subject factor training ( 50 % and 70 % training vs control ) and the interaction term showed that the 50%-intensity group significantly increased on P30 and POmax compared with the control group . The 70 % intensity group significantly increased on P30 , POmax and VO2peak compared with the control group ( P < 0.05 ) . The 70 % group did not show significantly higher increases in P30 and POmax over training than the 50 % intensity . No significant effects were found for the Fiso and the parameters at submaximal PO . CONCLUSIONS The wheelchair training at both intensities can have favorable effects on maximal physical work capacity in able-bodied subjects , and possibly also on mechanical efficiency at submaximal power output . Effects are seen in parameters for both aerobic and anaerobic work capacities . Although training at 70 % intensity was more effective than the 50 % intensity , training at 50 % HRR may initially be more appropriate in untrained individuals , such as novice wheelchair users at the start of their rehabilitation , to prevent fatigue and enhance motivation
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 .