Effects of hand cycle training on physical capacity in individuals with tetraplegia: a clinical trial

Background. Regular physical activity is important for people with tetraplegia to maintain fitness but may not always be easily integrated into daily life. In many countries, hand cycling has become a serious option for daily mobility in people with tetraplegia. However, little information exists regarding the suitability of this exercise mode for this population. Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a structured hand cycle training program in individuals with chronic tetraplegia. Design. Pretraining and posttraining outcome measurements of physical capacity were compared. Setting. Structured hand cycle interval training was conducted at home or in a rehabilitation center in the Netherlands. Participants. Twenty-two patients with tetraplegia (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale classification A-D) at least 2 years since injury participated. Intervention. The intervention was an 8- to 12-week hand cycle interval training program. Measures. Primary outcomes of physical capacity were: peak power output (POpeak) and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O