Mechanical Efficiency in Cycling in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Reliability, Training Effects and Factors Affecting ME.

Weijgers, K.S. (Karin) (2011) Mechanical Efficiency in Cycling in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Reliability, Training Effects and Factors Affecting ME. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

Background and Purpose: A reduced mechanical efficiency (ME) is found in CP individuals during cycling. The purpose of this study was to examine reliability of ME, investigate variables affecting ME and to examine correlations of ME with physical capacity parameters. In the second part, the purpose was to examine trainability of ME and to examine the contribution of cocontraction in the reduced ME. Method: A cross sectional study (part 1) investigating gross ME and net ME in 20 CP adults (16M/4F, 17-49 years), combined with measurements of strength, sprint power and a GXT obtaining physical capacity (POmax, VOzmax and HRmax). Reliability (ICC and SEM) was assessed and variables (POsub, gender, GMFCS level, athlete and distribution) were tested to affect ME. Correlations between ME and physical capacity parameters were examined. A case study (part 2), involving in a 9-week bicycle training interventi<?n, investigating gross ME and physical capacity. ME and cocontraction, using EMG measurement, were compared with an age- and sex-matched control subject. Results: Reliability of gross ME and net ME were found to be questionable (resp. ICC= 0.656 and 0.684) and showed low sensitivity (resp. SDD=4.05 and 5.88). The athlete variable was found to affect net ME, but no variable affected gross ME. Moderate to good correlations were found between net ME and physical capacity parameters, but none for gross ME. Training showed no increase in ME, but an increase in exercise tolerance was found. ME in the CP subject was lower compared to the control subject. Cocontraction was higher in the CP subject at higher intensities, but no clear difference was found at lower intensities. Cocontraction was not related to ME. Conclusions: Reliability of gross ME and net ME was low in adults with CP. The athletevariable shows to be affecting net ME, suggesting a higher efficiency in trained CP adults, and was correlated to the physical capacity parameters. However, none of the variables affected gross ME and no correlations were found. A training program showed an increase in exercise tolerance, but no gains in mechanical efficiency. The reduced efficiency in CP could not be explained by increased cocontraction.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Groot, Dr. S. de
Supervisor name:	Janssen, Prof. Dr. T.W.J. and Human Movement Sciences and VU University, Amsterdam
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 10:39
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 10:39
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/63

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