Article

The objective was to determine the normative values for 20 min exercise of wheelchair
propulsion in spinal cord injury (SCI) subjects. SETTING: Sarah Rehabilitation Hospitals Network, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 413 medical records for SCI
patients at different levels and classifications at the Sarah Rehabilitation
Hospitals Network, Brazil, who performed 20 min exercise in a rehabilitation
programme between the years 2004 and 2009 were consulted. Information regarding
patient and performance characteristics was obtained, including distance
travelled, mean velocity, rest and exercising heart rate and perceived exertion.
The data were analysed by gender and by injury level group: tetraplegia (TT) or
paraplegia (PP). RESULTS: The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 64 years, and
the median time since injury was 1.2 years. The men and women had different
performances regardless of their level of injury. The distance ranged between 495
and 2106 m for men and between 300 and 1901 m for women. The mean velocity of
propulsion ranged from 25 to 105 m min(-1) for men and from 15 to 95 m min(-1)
for women. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative data for the 20 min
exercise that could be used to estimate the resistance capacity by manual
wheelchair users with SCI and evaluate the effects of training and other
therapeutic interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS