Ann Rehabil Med.  2012 Jun;36(3):379-385. 10.5535/arm.2012.36.3.379.

Development of a Motor Driven Rowing Machine with Automatic Functional Electrical Stimulation Controller for Individuals with Paraplegia; a Preliminary Study

• Jung DW
• Park DS
• Lee BS
• Kim M

• KMID: 2266744
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2012.36.3.379

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To examine the cardiorespiratory responses of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) paraplegia using a motor driven rowing machine. METHOD: Ten SCI patients with paraplegia [A (n=6), B (n=1), and C (n=3) by the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale] were selected. Two rowing techniques were used. The first used a fixed seat with rowing achieved using only upper extremity movement (fixed rowing). The second used an automatically moving seat, facilitating active upper extremity movement and passive lower extremity movement via the motorized seat (motor rowing). Each patient performed two randomly assigned rowing exercise stress tests 1-3 days apart. The work rate (WR), time, respiratory exchange ratio (R), oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), metabolic equivalents (METs), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded.
RESULTS
WR, time, VO2, and METs were significantly higher after the motor rowing test than after fixed motor rowing test (p<0.05). HR after motor rowing was significantly lower than fixed rowing (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Cardiorespiratory responses as VO2, HR and METs can be elicited by the motor rowing for people with paraplegic SCI.

Keyword

Cardiorespiratory responses; Exercise test; Spinal cord injury; Rowing

MeSH Terms

Electric Stimulation
Exercise Test
Heart Rate
Humans
Lower Extremity
Metabolic Equivalent
Oxygen Consumption
Paraplegia
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal Injuries
Upper Extremity

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The newly developed motor rowing ergometer.

• 

  Fig. 2 Stick figure of fixed rowing ergometer (A) and motor rowing ergometer (B).

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