CHANGES IN PHYSICAL STRAIN AND PHYSICAL CAPACITY IN MEN WITH SPINAL-CORD INJURIES

To determine longitudinal changes in physical capacity and physical st rain during activities of daily living (ADL), 37 men with spinal cord injuries (C4/5-L5) performed an exercise test and various ADL on two o ccasions (T1 and T2; interval 34.5 +/- 1.5 months). Parameters of phys ical capacity were aerobic power (VO2peak) and maximal power output (P Omax). Physical strain was estimated by the heart rate response relati ve to the heart rate reserve. VO2peak at T2 (1.75 +/- 0.55 l . min(-1) ) did not significantly differ from that at T1 (1.67 +/- 0.47 l . min( -1)). Absolute POmax improved (P < 0.05) from 64.9 +/- 25.9 (T1) to 71 .7 +/- 27.2 W (T2), whereas relative POmax did not change. Activity le vel, time since injury, change in body mass, and occurrence of rehospi talization were the most important predictors of changes in physical c apacity. Changes in relative VO2peak were related (P < 0.05) to change s in strain during transfers to the shower wheelchair (r = -0.39) and shower seat (r = -0.46), and during the curb ascent (r = -0.47). In co nclusion, the hypothesized decline in physical capacity did not occur over the 3-yr period. Maintenance of physical capacity, which may in p art be achieved through sport participation and improved medical care, together with avoidance of excessive body mass, may be useful to prev ent high levels of strain during ADL.