Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyse adaptations in propulsion technique and gross
efficiency in novice able-bodied subjects during the initial phase of learning hand-rim
wheelchair propulsion to music. 22 able bodied participants performed wheelchair propulsion
(1.1 m·s−1) followed by a V˙O2 peak test on a wheelchair ergometer. Push frequency, gross efficiency (GE), heart
rate, rating of perceived exertion and propulsion technique variables (force application
and temporal characteristics) were recorded. Participants were then assigned to a
3-wk practice period listening to i) 125 beats·min−1 tempo music (LOW); ii) 170 beats·min−1 tempo music (HIGH); or iii) a control group (CON). Following practice, all participants
repeated the pre-testing protocol whilst force application data was collected in practice
trials 1 and 9. After accounting for the pre-practice differences in GE (using ANCOVA),
GE was higher in LOW compared with CON (P=0.038; 6.6 vs. 6.1% respectively). The differences
between CON vs. HIGH and LOW vs. HIGH (P=0.830; P=0.188) were trivial suggesting that
only LOW experienced an increase in GE. Practice had a favourable effect on the perceptions
of effort, work per cycle, push and cycle time in contrast to the CON group. The use
of music in a rehabilitation setting warrants further investigation.
Key words
rehabilitation - wheelchair ergometry - able-bodied - force application
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Correspondence
Dr. Victoria L. Goosey-Tolfrey
Loughborough University
Sport and Exercise Sciences
Epinal Way
LE11 3TU Leicestershire
United Kingdom
Phone: +44/1509/226 386
Fax: +44/1509/226 386
Email: v.l.tolfrey@lboro.ac.uk
