Effect of endurance training program based on anaerobic threshold (AT) forlower limb amputees

We have already reported that the one-leg cycling test driven by the subjec t's sound leg as the exercise load test is effective in measuring the anaer obic threshold (AT) of unilateral lower limb amputees. The aim of this rese arch is to investigate whether or not endurance training based on each subj ect's AT gained from the one-leg cycling test is useful in improving the ph ysical fitness of lower limb amputees. The test subjects were all unilatera l transfemoral amputees comprising a group of 14 undertaking endurance trai ning and a control group of 10. The form of endurance training is driving a n ergometer with the sound limb only in the same way as the load test. The training program was designed so that the subjects would exercise at a targ et heart rate corresponding to AT point for 30 minutes per day, 3-5 days ea ch week for 6 weeks. After the training periods, in the training subjects t he AT and maximum oxygen uptake (_O-2max) increased significantly. The rate of increase averaged 36.5%, 26.0%, respectively, compared to their levels before the training. On the contrary, no changes occurred in the control su bjects. These results suggest that our chosen training program based on eac h subject's AT is effective in improving the physical fitness of lower limb amputees.