Muscle strength and electrical activity, heart rate and energy cost during isometric contractions in disabled and non-disabled1

Abstract

This investigation was designed to determine the degree of adaptation of disabled subjects to a permanent wheelchair existence and the following parameters were studied: strength of the m. biceps femoris, integrated electrical activity of m. biceps femoris, heart rate, O2 consumption, CO2 output, and energy expenditure. It was found, that heart rate and electrical activity were lower at any level of strength in the disabled group so that it can be assumed that wheelchair-bound subjects are adapted to their disability. © 1971, International Spinal Cord Society. All Rights Reserved.