Physical capacity and physical strain in persons with tetraplegia; the role of sport activity

To determine the relationship between sport activity and physical capacity (PC) and physical strain (PS) during standardized activities of daily living (ADL), 25 subjects with tetraplegia were studied. To quantify PC, maximal power output, peak oxygen uptake and maximal isometric force were determined on a stationary wheelchair ergometer. PS was described as the highest heart rate (expressed as a percentage of the heart rate reserve), observed during standardized ADL tasks. Multiple regression analyses showed that sport activity, lesion level and completeness of the lesion were the most important determinants of PC. An inverse relationship was found between PS during the ADL tasks and parameters of PC. Parameters of PC and sport activity were significant determinants of PS. It is concluded that a higher PC is associated with a lower PS in daily life, and that sport activity is an important determinant of PC. Although no causal relationships could be established, due to the cross-sectional character of this study, the results support the assumption that being physically active is highly important for individuals with tetraplegia.