Abstract
The innovations in training equipment is important for increasing the training effectiveness, performance or perhaps the change of body composition, especially in wheelchair users with paraplegia. Paraplegics has limited possibility for variations of exercises and also reduced amount of muscle mass for hypertrophy stimulation.
The aim of this study is to determine the differences in body composition, performance and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in paraplegics with different level of paralyses after 12 weeks training programme in unilateral regime on Krancycle equipment (crank machine). Krancykl construction is designed to allow exercise performed on any wheelchair and with adjustable height or wide of crank handles, where even grip handle might be alternated.
Beyond that, the handles might act as solid or divided element with adjustable resistance, so both the bilateral or unilateral loading might be performed. Thus, the Krancykl might be the solution for crank machine, which provide enough of individual loading variability, which improve muscle coordination, imbalances and performance.
The Krancykl 30min programme was followed by four other exercises, which were performed after themselves rather than in circuit training fashion. Three participants were paraplegics and one was quadriplegic with innervation of biceps humeri, triceps humeri and deltoideus.
The flexibility increase in all participant, which might be the cause of unilateral loading used for Krancykl workout. Three participant improve the respiratory parametrers and body composition.
One participant improve his physical performance. The Kracykl training has been found effective for body composition change and physical performance in wheelchair users, where each participant improved different variables due to the individual training condition and lesion level.
The adaptation for Krancykl workout has been recognized by RPE after twelve weeks, so this programme should be alternate after this period.