Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare physical work capacity (PWC),peak oxygen uptake (peak V02), maximal pulmonary ventilation (VEmax), maximal heart rate (HRmax), and maximal blood lactate concentration (LAmax) for wheelchair ergometer (WERG) and arm crank ergometer (ACE) exercise. For this, wheelchair-dependent (n = 6) and able-bodied (n = 10) subjects completed a progressive intensity, discontinuous test for each mode of exercise. Each test was determinated by physical exhaustion and/or an inability to maintain a flywheel velocity of 180 m/min. Relatively high correlation coefficients were found between values obtained during the two modes of ergometry for PWC, peak V02, VEmax, and HRmax. WERG exercise was found to elicit a significantly lower PWC (by 36 ), HRmax (by 7 ), and Lamax (by 26 ) than ACE exercise. Peak V02 and VEmax, however, were similar for both exercise modes. These data suggest that either exercise mode may be used for fitness testing and training of people who cannot use their legs and that arm cranking may be a superior method to propel wheelchairs. Verf.-Referat