Int J Sports Med 2006; 27(10): 824-829
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872970
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Kayak Ergometer Training on Motor Performance in Paraplegics

A. Bjerkefors1 , 2 , A. Thorstensson1 , 2
  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
  • 2Department of Sport and Health Sciences, University College of Physical Education and Sports, Stockholm, Sweden
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: September 20, 2005

Publication Date:
01 February 2006 (online)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of kayak ergometer training on functional tests performed in wheelchair by persons with spinal cord injury. Ten post-rehabilitated persons with thoracic spinal cord injury volunteered for the study and performed 30 sessions of kayak ergometer training during a 10-week period. The ergometer was modified with an additional balance demand in the medio-lateral direction. Before and after the training period the subjects performed functional tests in the wheelchair: Sit-and-reach tests (distance), mounting a platform, transfer to a bench (height), propelling the wheelchair: 5 m on the rear wheels; in a figure-8; 15 m on a level surface and 50 m on a 3° inclined surface (time). Test-retests were performed for all tests before the training began. A written questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the subjective experiences of the training. The test-retest resulted in coefficient of variation of 1.3 - 4.6 %. There were significant improvements in sit-and-reach (14 %), mounting a platform (7 %), transfer to a bench (10 %), propelling on level (3 %), and inclined surface (6 %). Furthermore, the training, did not cause any shoulder pain or other problems. This, and the positive subjective experience expressed by the subjects after the training indicate that this type of training is a suitable activity for persons with thoracic spinal cord injury.

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A. Bjerkefors

Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Sport and Health Sciences · University College of Physical Education and Sports

Box 5626

11486 Stockholm

Sweden

Phone: + 4684022239

Fax: + 46 84 02 22 87

Email: anna.bjerkefors@gih.se