Eccentric Arm Cycling: A Potential Exercise for Wheelchair Users

Lydia L Lytle; Jennifer L Dannenbring; Matthew A Kilgas; Steven J Elmer

doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2018.11.013

Eccentric Arm Cycling: A Potential Exercise for Wheelchair Users

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019 May;100(5):914-922. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.11.013. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Authors

Lydia L Lytle¹, Jennifer L Dannenbring¹, Matthew A Kilgas², Steven J Elmer³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI; Department of Physical Therapy, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI.
² Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI.
³ Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI; Department of Physical Therapy, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI. Electronic address: sjelmer@mtu.edu.

PMID: 30557549
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.11.013

Abstract

Objective: To compare metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and perceptual responses to acute eccentric and traditional concentric arm cycling in a cohort of wheelchair users.

Design: Single-group repeated measures.

Setting: Exercise physiology laboratory.

Participants: A convenience sample of 7 manual wheelchair users (45±15 y; 87±21 kg; 1.8±0.1 m; time in wheelchair 17±14 y) volunteered.

Interventions: Participants performed 5-minute trials of eccentric and concentric arm cycling at (1) isometabolic rate (35% of peak oxygen consumption) and (2) isopower output (80W). Exercise trials were performed on an eccentric/concentric arm cycle ergometer that integrated with a personal wheelchair.

Main outcome measures: Primary measures included power output, oxygen consumption, heart rate, ventilation, blood lactate, and perceived exertion. Secondary measures assessed included perceived muscle soreness, likability, frequency of use, and duration of use.

Results: At isometabolic rate, power production during eccentric arm cycling was ∼3× greater than concentric arm cycling (80±36 vs 26±10 W; P<.01). When exercising at isopower output, oxygen consumption during eccentric arm cycling was ∼1/2 that of concentric arm cycling (0.66±0.15 vs 1.30±0.65 L/min; P=.03). Heart rate and perceived exertion were also substantially lower during eccentric arm cycling (both P<.05). Muscle soreness assessed 24-72 hours postexercise was minimal (<1.0 cm). Preference scores and anticipated frequency and duration of use did not differ between eccentric arm cycling and concentric arm cycling (all P>.05).

Conclusion: Eccentric arm cycling provided a metabolically efficient (high-force, low-energy cost) and usable (wheelchair accessible, safe, likable) exercise for wheelchair users. Implementation of eccentric arm cycling with this population is promising but additional research is needed to confirm this possibility.

Keywords: Exercise; Physical fitness; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injuries.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Disabled Persons / rehabilitation*
Exercise / physiology*
Female
Heart Rate
Humans
Lactic Acid / blood
Male
Middle Aged
Myalgia / etiology
Oxygen Consumption
Patient Compliance
Patient Preference
Physical Conditioning, Human / methods*
Physical Exertion / physiology
Pulmonary Ventilation
Time Factors
Upper Extremity / physiology*
Wheelchairs*
Young Adult

Substances

Lactic Acid