ISOKINETIC STRENGTH AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PARAPLEGIC AND ABLE-BODIED MALES.

Thirty lower-limb disabled (PARA) and 12 able-bodied (AB) males were assessed on an isokinetic dynamometer for measures of upper-body dynamic strength and endurance. The disabled and able-bodied subjects were further subdivided into highly active (HA; PARA equals 15, AB equals 6) and less active (LA; PARA equals 15, AB equals 6) groups based on their daily activity patterns. Peak moment, peak power and average power of shoulder and elbow flexion/extension were tested at five joint velocities. PARA HA subjects displayed greater peak and average powers than PARA LA for shoulder and elbow flexion and extension. AB men had strength scores similar to PARA LA subjects at low angular velocities but were significantly weaker at higher movement speeds. Analysis of power-velocity curves suggested a specific training effect of daily wheelchair ambulation in the neuromuscular recruitment patterns or fiber-type characteristics of PARA individuals, and a further conditioning response in highly active wheelchair users.