Eccentric Arm Cycling: A Potential Exercise for Wheelchair Users

Publication date: Available online 14 December 2018

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Author(s): Lydia L.M. Lytle, Jennifer L. Dannenbring, Matthew A. Kilgas, Steven J. Elmer

Abstract

Objective

We compared metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and perceptual responses to acute eccentric (ECC_arm) and traditional concentric (CON_arm) arm cycling in a cohort of wheelchair users.

Design

Single-group repeated measures.

Setting

Exercise physiology laboratory.

Participants

A convenience sample of seven manual wheelchair users (45±15yrs; 87±21kg; 1.8±0.1m; time in wheelchair 17±14yrs) volunteered.

Interventions

Participants performed 5min trials of eccentric and concentric arm cycling at 1) iso-metabolic rate (35% of peak oxygen consumption) and 2) iso-power output (80W). Exercise trials were performed on an eccentric/concentric arm cycle ergometer that integrated with a personal wheelchair.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary measures included power output, oxygen consumption, heart rate, ventilation, blood lactate, and perceived exertion. Secondary measures assessed included perceived muscle soreness, likability, frequency of use, and duration of use.

Results

At iso-metabolic rate, power production during ECC_arm was ∼3x greater than CON_arm (80±36 vs. 26±10W; P<0.01). When exercising at iso-power output, oxygen consumption during ECC_arm was ∼1/2 that of CON_arm (0.66±0.15 vs 1.30±0.65L/min; P=0.03). Heart rate and perceived exertion were also substantially lower during ECC_arm (both P<0.05). Muscle soreness assessed 24-72h post-exercise was minimal (<1.0cm). Preference scores and anticipated frequency and duration of use did not differ between ECC_arm and CON_arm (all P>0.05).

Conclusion

ECC_arm provided a metabolically efficient (high-force, low energy cost) and usable (wheelchair accessible, safe, likable) exercise for wheelchair users. Implementation of ECC_arm with this population is promising but additional research is needed to confirm this possibility.

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