Abstract

This study describes responses of 21 wheelchair users to a continuous, increasing work rate test to exhaustion on a wheelchair ergometer. Heart rate, ventilation, 02 uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation equivalent for 02, and 02 pulse were determined for each minute. Subjects were divided into tetraplegic (n = 8), high-lesion paraplegic (n = 6), and low-lesion paraplegic (n = 7) groups. Linear regression analyses, with 02 uptake as the independent variable, were used to determine the strength of relationships within each group and differences between groups in slopes and intercepts of regression equations. All variables were significantly related to 02 uptake (r = 0.42-0.94). The only significant difference between the high- and lowlesion paraplegic groups was for heart rate intercept, as the heart rate for the low-lesion group tended to be lower at any given 02 uptake. Tetraplegics had a higher intercept and/or slope for ventilation equivalent, ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio and lower intercepts for heart rate and 02 pulse. These differences in reponses to a progressive exercise task are logically related to the differences in maximal 02 uptake, functional muscle mass, and vasomotor and cardiac control of the groups. Verf.-Referat