A J Dallmeijer, M T Hopman, E L Angenot, L H van der Woude
Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
DOI: 10.2340/16501977199729181186

The effects of quad rugby training on physical capacity and physical strain during standardized activities of daily living were investigated in 9 trained (A) and 5 untrained quad rugby players (B), and 7 inactive persons with tetraplegia (C) at 0, 3 and 6 months after the start of a quad rugby training program (1. 5h. wk[-1]). Physical capacity was measured as maximal isometric strength, peak power output (POpeak) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) on a stationary wheelchair ergometer. Physical strain was expressed as a percentage of heart-rate reserve. No measurable training effects could be observed for POpeak, VO2peak and physical strain. A significant rise in maximal isometric strength was found in group B after 3 and 6 months of training, whereas no significant changes were found in groups A and C. The results suggest that a higher training frequency and/or intensity may be needed to gain significant training effects for POpeak and VO2peak.