Aušra Adomavičienė, Jūratė Kesienė
Abstract
Insufficient physical activity of persons with SCI has negative effect on different functions, increases risk for health disorders, chronic disease morbidity and even mortality. Physical activity or physical active forms of recreation has positive effect not only on physical health or physical capacity, but also on psychoemotional status and quality of life. This is a main consideration to insure improvement of components of physical capacity by applying correct physical training, physical activities and active forms of leisure. The aim of research was to assess and to evaluate physical capacity components of persons after SCI and to determine the effect of 2 week training and active physical activities program in summer camp, organized by Lithuanian association of paraplegics in Monciskes, Sventoji. Results: 57 physically inactive persons after SCI participated in our study, 51 (91,1%) was male and 6 (10,7%) female, with age of 28,39±5,48 year. According level of spinal cord injury they were divided into two groups: 1 group 26 (46,4%) persons with tetraplegia, 2 group 31 (56,2%) person with paraplegia. After two week training program we found, that velocity and endurance of arm movements assessed by Tapping test and Box&block test results have changed, and increased significantly in group of tetraplegics (p<0,05). Results from strength tests have not changed significantly in both groups (p>0,05). Results of tests in wheelchair (sprint of 20 meter distance, 30 sec for maximal speed, maneuvering in „eight“ shape track have showed significant improvement in both groups (p<0,05), but anaerobic capacity changes in group of tetraplegics was lower than in group of paraplegics (p<0,05). 2 week training program has improved components of aerobic performance and endurance, results of Cooper fitness test (12 min race by wheelchair) have showed significant changes in both groups (p<0,05). Conclusion: during 2 week training and physical activities camp program have changed positively most of parameters of physical capacity in persons after SCI.
Keyword(s): spinal cord injury (SCI); physical capacity; strength; endurance; physical activity.
DOI: 10.5200/sm-hs.2016.039
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