DETRAINING FROM TOTAL-BODY EXERCISE ERGOMETRY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SPINAL-CORD INJURY

This study was designed to investigate the effects of detraining that occurred during an 8 week period of muscular inactivity following a 12 week training program of artificial computerized functional electrica l stimulation cycle ergometry (CFES LE) and arm ergometry. Six spinal cord injured male individuals were followed through an 8 week detraini ng period that was preceded by a 12 week exercise program including CF ES LE and arm ergometry. Maximal graded exercise tests were completed and measurements of peak oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), ve ntilation (V-E) workload, and creatine kinase were taken. Testing occu rred at initial training (0T), after 13 weeks of training (12T), and a fter 8 weeks of detraining (DT). After the training program, peak VO2 increased significantly from 0.562+/-0.216 (OT) to 1.021+/-0.247 l/min (12T, P < 0.05). After DT, peak VO2 decreased to 0.7911 +/- 0.216 l/m in, which was lower than 12T (P < 0.05), yet higher than OT (P < 0.05) . After DT, peak workoad had decreased from 0.675 +/- 0.303 (12T) to 0 .32 +/- 0.103 kp (P < 0.05), which was not different than OT. Creatine kinase levels were significantly lower both at 12T and DT compared to OT (P < 0.05). In addition, this training program induced linear incr eases in both VO2 and IIR with workload, which were retained after DT. These increases did not reach statistical significance, however. No a pparent relationship existed between these values at baseline. There w ere no significant differences in submaximal or peak HR of V-E between the three testing periods. The results indicate that both peripheral muscular adaptations and central distribution adaptations in SCI indiv iduals are partially maintained following 8 weeks of DT from CFES LE a nd arm ergometry.