Circuit training a tetraplegic athlete

Immobility from spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to a low physical capacity and health problems. A low physical capacity impacts the lives of individuals with SCI by restricting their functional abilities such as transferring, wheelchair raises and propulsion. Promotion of fitness is important to avoid premature morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have found circuit training to be effective in increasing strength and V02 peak in paraplegics. Since there is limited information regarding safe exercise for tetraplegics, this study evaluated the effectiveness of circuit training (CT) in a C5-C6 tetraplegic athlete versus a self-prescribed training (SPT) program in a second C5-C6 tetraplegic athlete. The CT consisted of arm ergometry bouts alternated with 6 strength maneuvers performed on the Uppertone machine for 12 weeks. The 12 week SPT program combined strength exercises with free weights and weight machines. The cardiovascular training involved wheelchair pushes and a rowing machine. The (CT) subject demonstrated an 18.3% - 70.7% increase in strength, whereas the SPT subject had a 0%- 42.9% increase. The CT subject also had a 14.4% increase in V02 peak and the less conditioned SPT subject had a 17.7% increase in V02 peak. This study showed that circuit training was a safe form of exercise that increased the V02 peak and strength in a tetraplegic athlete. CT can only have greater effects in the sedentary population, which would be an excellent population for further research in CT in tetraplegics. With improved physical capacity, an individual with a SCI can perform functional tasks with more ease, thus giving them greater functional independence.