Wheelchair Client
by Lenny Parracino
Date Released : 01 Jun 2005
Question:
Bob, a 54-year-old client, is interested in learning more about a "pressor effect." Bob has been disabled for 25 years and is in great shape, exercising regularly. He is wheelchair bound and has some use of his abdominal wall but no use of his legs. He frequently uses the Free Motion equipment to work out, so he has great upper body ability.
When using your upper extremity only for long periods of time (such as hand cycling), your intrathoracic pressure increases, which in turn increases your blood pressure and heart rate. Sometimes Bob finds his heart rate is around 180. Is this okay? How much pressure can he tolerate? What type of training should we include in his routine to improve or, better yet, lower his pressure/heart rate? He is not training for anything but does wish to remain active and ride.
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