Effects of modified electrical stimulation-induced leg cycle ergometer training for individuals with spinal cord injury

摘要

Computercontrolled electrical stimulation (ES)induced leg cycle ergometer (ESLCE) exercise can be beneficial for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), but exercise performance is often insufficient for eliciting continuous gains in cardiopulmonary training adaptations. The first purpose of this study was to determine whether a modified ESLCE improved exercise performance and responses compared with the standard ESLCE. Modifications to the ESLCE included increased ES current amplitude (140–300 mA), added shank muscle activation, and increased ES firing angle ranges (+55°). The second purpose was to evaluate the effects of a 6week interval training program (ITP) with this modified methodology on ESLCE exercise performance, peak metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses, and muscle strength in experienced and novice riders. No significantly different peak values for power output and stroke volume were found for the two systems, but the modified ESLCE elicited significantly higher peak values for oxygen uptake (+22%), carbon dioxide production (+51%), pulmonary ventilation (+37%), cardiac output (+32%), heart rate (+19%),and blood lactate concentration (+50%). Power output, metabolic rate, and lowerlimb muscle strength increased significantly following training. This study showed that an ITP with the modified ESLCE can elicit marked improvements in ESLCE performance (peak power output), peak metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses, and muscle strength in men with SCI, even inthose subjects whose performance has plateaued during training on the standard ESLCE.