Treadmill performance and selected physiological characteristics of wheelchair athletes. Issue 3 (September 1987)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lakomy, H K; Campbell, I; Williams, C
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 21:Issue 3(1987)
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 1987-09
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.21.3.130
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to examine selected physiological characteristics and pushing performance over a distance of five kilometres (5 km) in twelve wheelchair athletes (10 paraplegics and 2 tetraplegics). The physiological tests and 5 km wheelchair time trials were performed on a motorised treadmill adapted for use by wheelchairs. The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and %VO2 max utilised at a fixed speed equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol.l-1, identified as being of importance in successful able-bodied endurance performance, were also found to correlate highly with 5 km performance in wheelchair athletes. Low correlations were found between performance and mean %VO2 max utilised over the whole distance and between performance and oxygen uptake at a standard speed. The results also showed that the tetraplegics had lower physiological reserves than the paraplegics, with a much reduced maximum heart rate and ventilation. The findings indicate that a combination of physiological characteristics influence pushing performance in wheelchair athletes.