Article

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is unique to individuals with spinal injuries (SCI) at
T6 or above and can be voluntarily induced. Although AD improves wheelchair
racing performance in some athletes, it also elicits exaggerated blood pressure,
which could be dangerous.
The International Paralympic Committee considers AD
doping and banned its use. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate AD
knowledge, incidence and attitudes (KIA) of Paralympians with SCI. METHODS: An
existing questionnaire was modified to include questions of AD KIA, validated by
three experts and piloted with a small sample. It was administered on-line,
mailed to members of a scientific network and distributed during the Beijing
Paralympic Games. Fisher Exact test was used to evaluate differences across
gender, injury and education. RESULTS: Of 99 participants, 54.5% had previously
heard of AD while 39.4% were unaware; 16.7%, all males, had used AD to enhance
performance. Participants reported that AD was (1) useful for middle (78.6%) and
long distance (71.4%), marathon (64.3%) and wheelchair rugby (64.3%); (2)
somewhat dangerous (48.9%), dangerous (21.3%) or very dangerous (25.5%) to
health. Results were not influenced by age, injury level or injury duration.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate the need for educational programmes directed
towards enhancing the AD knowledge of rehabilitation professionals, coaches and
trainers working with SCI individuals.

Langue : ANGLAIS