Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 1987
Ergometer modification for combined arm-leg use by lower extremity amputees in cardiovascular testing and training.
A commercial arm-leg ergometer was adapted so that combined bilateral arm-single leg work could be performed by unilateral lower extremity amputees from their own wheelchairs. Three middle-aged to elderly unilateral amputees performed progressive discontinuous bilateral arm crank and combined bilateral arm-single leg cycle exercise tests on the same air-braked ergometer adapted for either form of ergometry. ⋯ Combined arm-leg ergometry as described herein may activate the largest available muscle mass and elicit the greatest oxygen uptake during exercise testing. In addition this exercise modality may simultaneously condition the arms and leg, providing functional gains in both wheelchair propulsion and prosthetic ambulation.