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The effects of hand cycle training on physical capacity and health-related quality of life in individuals with tetraplegia

The effects of hand cycle training on physical capacity and health-related quality of life in individuals with tetraplegia Hand cycle training in persons with tetraplegia 86 ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of a structured hand cycle training program in individuals with chronic tetraplegia. Design: Pre-(t1) and post (t2) outcome measures on physical capacity and health-related quality of life were compared. In addition, double baseline data (t0, t1) were available for a subgroup. Setting: Structured hand cycle interval training at home or in a rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands. Participants: Untrained to moderately trained subjects with tetraplegia; time since injury > 2 yrs (n=22) Intervention: An 8-12 week hand cycle interval training program Main outcome measures: Primary outcomes were: peak power output (PO peak) and peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak) as determined in hand cycle peak exercise tests on a motor driven treadmill. Secondary outcome measures were: peak muscle strength of the upper extremities (with hand-held dynamometry), pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow) and health-related quality of life (SF36). Results: We found a statistically significant effect of the structured hand cycle training on physical capacity as reflected by PO peak and VO 2peak. Except for abduction, no significant effects were found on muscle strength, spirometric values or quality of life. Conclusion: Despite dropouts and non-compliance (due to health and practical problems), untrained subjects with tetraplegia were able to improve their physical capacity through regular hand cycle interval training.