Training response to high-intensity interval training in a 42-year-old man with chronic spinal cord injury

This case study explores how a man with a spinal cord injury (SCI) responded to 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIT) using an arm crank ergometer (ACE). HIT is known to improve fitness, but there's limited research on its effects on people with SCI, who often use upper body exercises. The study participant completed a periodized training program consisting of different interval workouts at varying intensities relative to his peak power. Researchers monitored his heart rate and measured his fitness levels at different points during the training period. The results showed significant improvements in both maximal aerobic power and endurance performance. The participant also lost some fat mass. This suggests that HIT can be an effective training method for people with SCI to improve their cardiovascular fitness and body composition.

• 1
  The participant's peak aerobic power (WPeak) improved by approximately 45% within the first 6 weeks of training.
• 2
  The participant's maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 Peak) increased by 52% within the first 6 weeks of training.
• 3
  Endurance performance, as measured by a 30-minute time trial, continued to improve throughout the 12-week training period, increasing by 54.1% from baseline by week 12.