Methods and protocols for incremental exercise testing in tetraplegia, using arm-crank ergometry assisted by Functional Electrical Stimulation

Coupaud, S., Gollee, H., Hunt, K.J., Fraser, M.H., Allan, D.B. and McLean, A.N. (2009) Methods and protocols for incremental exercise testing in tetraplegia, using arm-crank ergometry assisted by Functional Electrical Stimulation. Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, 4(1), pp. 67-78. (doi: 10.1016/j.bspc.2008.11.003)

Abstract

Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to tetraplegia, with paralysis and loss of sensation in the upper and lower limbs. The associated sedentary lifestyle results in an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. To address this, we require the design of exercise modalities aimed specifically at tetraplegia and methods to assess their efficacy. This paper describes methods for arm-crank ergometry (ACE) assisted by Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applied to the biceps and triceps. The instrumented ergometer enables work-rate control during exercise, implemented here for incremental exercise testing during FES-ACE. Detailed protocols for the tests are given. Experimental data collected during exercise tests with tetraplegic volunteers are provided to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach to testing and data analysis. Incremental tests enabled calculation of peak power output and peak oxygen uptake. We propose that the high-precision exercise testing protocols described here are appropriate to assess the efficacy of the novel exercise modality, FES-ACE, in tetraplegia.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Coupaud, Dr Sylvie and Hunt, Prof Kenneth and Gollee, Dr Henrik
• Authors: Coupaud, S., Gollee, H., Hunt, K.J., Fraser, M.H., Allan, D.B., and McLean, A.N.
• Subjects: T Technology > T Technology (General); R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
• Research Group: Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering
• Journal Name: Biomedical Signal Processing and Control
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1746-8094
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2009 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Biomedical Signal Processing and Control 4(1):67-78
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.