EFFECTS OF AN INTERVAL TRAINING-PROGRAM OF THE UPPER LIMBS ON A WHEELCHAIR ERGOMETER IN ABLE-BODIED SUBJECTS

The effects of a 6 weeks interval training with a wheelchair ergometer on the power and endurance of the upper limbs (UL) were studied in te n young able-bodied males. All subjects performed a maximal progressiv e test (10 W/2 min) on a wheelchair ergometer to measure the ventilati on ((V) over dot E), respiratory exchanges ((V) over dot O-2, (V) over dot O-2) and oxygen pulse (O-2p) at the maximal tolerated power (MTP) and ventilatory threshold (VT). Endurance capacity was measured with the tailored 45 min Square Wave Endurance Exercise Test (SWEET) from M TP and VT. Arm and forearm perimeters, diameters and skinfold thicknes s were also measured. The subjects were divided into a control group ( CG n = 5) and a training group (TG n = 5; 3 SWEET sessions/week/6-week ) with matched physical characteristics. Training the UL resulted in s ignificant increases of parameters at MTP (power + 63 %, peak (V) over dot O-2 + 33 %, O-2 pulse + 25 %) and at VT (power + 125%, (V) over d ot O-2 + 48 %, O-2 pulse + 33 %). The UL diameter and perimeter signif icantly increased, and the skinfold thickness decreased. None of these variables showed a significant change in the CG. We conclude that thi s training improves specific force and endurance of the UL, by acting centrally as reflected by oxygen pulse increase, as well as peripheral ly as shown by morphologic changes.