Abstract
Peak and subpeak metabolic and hemodynamic responses to arm ergometry were compared among trained paraplegics, sedentary paraplegics, and sedentary non-disabled persons. The trained paraplegics had been previously conditioned with a functional neuromuscular stimulation ambulation system. The trained paraplegic group completed significantly longer total time of arm ergometry test and reached a higher mean peak workload than the sedentary paraplegics. However, the trained group reached a significantly lower VO$\sb{\rm 2peak}$ than the sedentary non-disabled group. The non-disabled group completed significantly longer total time of arm ergometry, reached a higher peak workload, and reached a higher VO$\sb{\rm 2peak}$ than the sedentary paraplegic group. The non-trained paraplegics had significantly lower resting and exercising stroke volumes with an exaggerated rate of heart rate elevation when compared with the non-disabled subjects. Grip strength was significantly correlated with total time of arm ergometry, highest workload reached, and VO$\sb{\rm 2peak}$ in the non-disabled group but not in either of the paraplegic groups.