Int J Sports Med 2013; 34(02): 176-182
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1311653
Clinical Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Seated Double-Poling Ergometer Performance of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury – A New Ergometer Concept for Standardized Upper Body Exercise

A. Bjerkefors
1   Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
2   Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
,
F. Tinmark
1   Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
2   Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
,
J. Nilsson
1   Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
,
A. Arndt
1   Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
3   Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 28 March 2012

Publication Date:
12 September 2012 (online)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate biomechanics during seated double-poling exercises in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to compare these with those of able-bodied persons (AB). 26 participants volunteered for the study; 13 with SCI (injury levels C7-T12), and 13 AB. A seated double-poling ergometer (SDPE) was developed. 3-dimensional kinematics was measured and piezoelectric force sensors were used to register force in both poles for calculation of power during incremental intensities. Significantly lower power outputs, (143.2±51.1 vs. 198.3±74.9 W) and pole forces (137.1±43.1 vs. 238.2±81.2 N) were observed during maximal effort in SCI compared to AB. Sagittal upper trunk range of motion increased with intensity and ranged from 6.1–34.8° for SCI, and 6.9–31.3° for AB, with larger peak amplitudes in flexion for AB (31.4±12.9°) compared to SCI (10.0±8.0°). All subjects with SCI were able to exercise on the SDPE. Upper body kinematics, power and force outputs increased with intensity in both groups, but were in general, lower in SCI. In conclusion, the SDPE could be successfully used at low to high work intensities enabling both endurance and strength training for individuals with SCI.

 
  • References

  • 1 Alm M, Saraste H, Norrbrink C. Shoulder pain in persons with thoracic spinal cord injury; prevalence and characteristics. J Rehabil Med 2008; 40: 277-283
  • 2 Bernard PL, Peruchon E, Micallef JP, Hertog C, Rabishong P. Balance and stabilization capacity of paraplegic wheelchair athletes. J Rehab Res Dev 1994; 31: 287-296
  • 3 Bjerkefors A, Carpenter MG, Thorstensson A. Dynamic trunk stability is improved in paraplegics following kayak ergometer training. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2007; 17: 672-679
  • 4 Bjerkefors A, Thorstensson A. Effects of kayak ergometer training on motor performance in paraplegics. Int J Sports Med 2006; 27: 824-829
  • 5 Borg GA. Perceived exertion. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 1974; 2: 131-153
  • 6 Collinger JL, Boninger ML, Koontz AM, Price R, Sisto SA, Tolerico ML, Cooper RA. Shoulder biomechanics during the push phase of wheelchair propulsion: a multisite study of persons with paraplegia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2008; 89: 667-676
  • 7 Curtis KA, Black K. Shoulder pain in female wheelchair basketball players. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1999; 29: 225-231
  • 8 Dyson-Hudson TA, Kirshblum SC. Shoulder pain in chronic spinal cord injury, Part I: Epidemiology, etiology, and pathomechanics. J Spinal Cord Med 2004; 27: 4-17
  • 9 Harriss DJ, Atkinson G. Update – ethical standards in sport and exercise science research. Int J Sports Med 2011; 32: 819-821
  • 10 Holmberg HC, Nilsson J. Reliability and validity of a new double poling ergometer for cross country skiers. J Sports Sci 2008; 15: 171-179
  • 11 Holmberg H-C, Lindinger S, Stöggl T, Eitzlmair E, Muller E. Biomechanical analysis of double poling in elite cross-country skiers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005; 37: 807-818
  • 12 Marino RJ, Barros T, Biering-Sorensen F, Burns SP, Donovan WH, Graves DE, Haak M, Hudson LM, Priebe MM. International standards for neurological classification of SCI. J Spinal Cord Med 2003; 26: S50-S56
  • 13 Potten YJ, Seelen HA, Drukker J, Reulen JP, Drost MR. Postural muscle responses in the spinal cord injured persons during forward reaching. Ergonomics 1999; 42: 1200-1215
  • 14 Rodgers MM, McQuade KJ, Rasch EK, Keyser RE, Finley MA. Upper-limb fatigue-related joint power shifts in experienced wheelchair users and nonwheelchair users. J Rehabil Res Dev 2003; 40: 27-37
  • 15 Seelen HA, Potten YJ, Drukker J, Reulen JP, Pons C. Development of new muscle synergies in postural control in spinal cord injured subjects. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 1998; 8: 23-34
  • 16 Smith PM, Chapman ML, Hazlehurst KE, Goss-Sampson MA. The influence of crank configuration on muscle activity and torque production during arm crank ergometry. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2008; 18: 598-605
  • 17 van Drongelen S, de Groot S, Veeger HE, Angenot EL, Dallmeijer AJ, Post MW, van der Woude LH. Upper extremity musculoskeletal pain during and after rehabilitation in wheelchair-using persons with a spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2006; 44: 152-159