Maximal Aerobic Testing in Spinal Cord Injury: Considerations from Clinical Experience

Authors

  • Aaron A Phillips University of British Columbia
  • Renee J Fougere University of British Columbia
  • Darren Warburton

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v5i2.116

Keywords:

spinal cord injury, maximal aerobic testing

Abstract

Increasing participation in physical activity is a primary clinical concern in those with spinal cord injury (SCI). The measurement of maximal aerobic capacity in those with spinal cord injury (SCI) is now being used to help predict habitual physical activity levels after SCI, as well as evaluate SCI athletes. As in able-bodied participants, precise execution of the maximal aerobic test is essential in order to obtain valid results. Many special considerations exist when performing a maximal aerobic testing in those with SCI. Most notably this includes using an arm-crank cycle, however further considerations exist such as: frequent evaluation of blood pressure and symptoms of syncope, unreliable heart rate response in those with SCI above the 5th thoracic vertebra, importance of bladder evacuation prior to testing, and the special attention required to decide work rate depending on lesion level and completeness. This review will detail these considerations from the perspective of clinical experience, as well as provide explain the underlying principles.

Author Biographies

Aaron A Phillips, University of British Columbia

MSc, PhD Candidate (Medicine), CSEP-CEP 1Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 2Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada 3International Collaboration of Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Renee J Fougere, University of British Columbia

BScN Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Darren Warburton

Darren Warburton, MSc, PhD, CSEP-CEP Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada International Collaboration of Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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Published

2012-06-30

How to Cite

Phillips, A. A., Fougere, R. J., & Warburton, D. (2012). Maximal Aerobic Testing in Spinal Cord Injury: Considerations from Clinical Experience. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 5(2), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v5i2.116

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2012)

Section

THE PRACTITIONER'S CORNER

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