Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a handcycle training program during
inpatient rehabilitation and the changes in physical capacity in persons with
subacute spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Before-after trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation centers. PARTICIPANTS: Persons with subacute SCI in regular
rehabilitation (N=45). INTERVENTIONS: A structured handcycle interval training
program during the last 8 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Training was
scheduled 3 times per week (24 sessions total), with an intended frequency of
>/=2 times per week. Intended intensity was a Borg score of 4 to 7 on a 10-point
scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility was assessed, and participant
satisfaction was evaluated (n=30). A maximal handcycling test was performed 8
weeks prior to discharge and at discharge to determine peak power output and peak
oxygen uptake (VO2peak)
(n=23). RESULTS: Of the participants, 91% completed the
handcycle training, and no adverse events were reported. Mean training frequency
was 1.8+/-0.5 times per week, and mean Borg score was 6.2+/-1.4. Persons with
complete lesions demonstrated lower training feasibility. Most participants were
satisfied with the handcycle training. Peak power output and VO2peak improved
significantly after the training period (P<.01) by 36.4% and 9.6%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, handcycle training during inpatient rehabilitation in
persons with SCI was feasible except for the training frequency. Persons with
complete lesions likely need extra attention to benefit optimally from
handcycling training. Because the improvements in physical capacity were larger
than those known to occur in persons with paraplegia receiving regular
rehabilitation, the results suggest that the addition of handcycle training may
result in larger increases in physical capacity compared with regular rehabilitation only.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS