Acute physiological comparison of sub-maximal exercise on a novel adapted rowing machine and arm crank ergometry in people with a spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-022-00757-2 · Published: February 3, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study compares oxygen uptake and perceived exertion during exercise on a novel adapted rowing machine (AROW) and a standard arm crank ergometer (ACE) in individuals with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D). The AROW was designed to be accessible for people with varying levels of trunk stability. Participants performed sub-maximal exercise on both machines, and the researchers measured their oxygen consumption and perceived exertion. The results showed that the AROW led to significantly greater oxygen consumption and perceived exertion compared to the ACE at similar workloads. The study suggests that the AROW could be a valuable tool for upper extremity exercise for individuals with SCI/D, offering a potentially more effective workout than the ACE. The AROW is also open-source and available at https://adaptederg.commons.bcit.ca/.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

14 adults with SCI/D (age 21–63 y)

Evidence Level

Non-randomized crossover trial

Key Findings

1
Exercising on the AROW resulted in significantly greater oxygen consumption compared to ACE at similar sub-maximal workloads.
2
Exercising on the AROW resulted in a significantly higher perceived exertion than ACE at similar sub-maximal workloads.
3
The AROW has decreased efficiency compared to the ACE, requiring more effort for a given workload, potentially due to the involvement of more posterior shoulder muscles.

Research Summary

This study compared the physiological demands of exercise on an Adapted ROWing machine (AROW) and an Arm Crank Ergometer (ACE) in individuals with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D). The results indicated that the AROW elicited a significantly greater oxygen consumption (VO2) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to the ACE at similar sub-maximal workloads. The study suggests that the AROW can provide a functional upper extremity workout for individuals with varying levels of SCI, potentially offering a more effective exercise option than the ACE.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Programs

The AROW can be integrated into rehabilitation programs for individuals with SCI/D to improve cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being.

Accessible Exercise Equipment

The AROW design offers an accessible and potentially more effective alternative to traditional ACE, addressing the lack of suitable exercise equipment for individuals with SCI/D.

Home Exercise

The AROW, especially affordable home models currently being developed, can provide a means for individuals with SCI/D to engage in cardiovascular exercise at home, promoting independence and access to fitness.

Study Limitations

1
The study cohort was likely more active than the general population of people with SCI/D.
2
The relatively small sample size increases the risk for a Type II error.
3
Exercise in the present study was conﬁned to only 5 min of AROW use.

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