Impact of ICARE Training Speed and Motor Assistance on Cardiovascular Response

Judith M. Burnfield, Chase M. Pfeifer, Sarah J. Kwapiszeski, Sonya L. Irons, Thad W. Buster, Guilherme M. Cesar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose:
A motor-assisted elliptical, ICARE, is used to address walking and fitness goals; yet, only limited data guide understanding of the impact of ICARE training parameters (e.g., speed and motor assistance) on cardiovascular response. A repeated-measures design investigated the influence of 5 predetermined ICARE speeds (25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 revolutions per minute) and 2 motor-assistance levels (with and without assistance) on heart rate (HR), Borg ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood pressure (BP).

Methods:
Ten healthy participants' HR, RPE, and BP were recorded during steady state Active Assist (ICARE's motor assisting leg movement) and Active Assist Plus exercise (without motor's assistance) at 5 speeds.

Results:
Significant main effects on HR were documented for ICARE speed (F[4,36] = 77.313, P < .001) and motor assistance (F[1,36] = 224.813, P < .001), and an interaction (F[4,36] = 4.410, P = .005). Significant main effects on RPE were documented for speed (F[4,36] = 47.106, P < .001) and motor assistance (F[1,36] = 24.929, P < .001). Significant main effects on systolic BP were documented for speed (F[4,36] = 78.849, P < .001) and motor assistance (F[1,36] = 6.911, P = .027), and an interaction (F[4,36] = 5.695, P = .001). Only the main effect of motor assistance on diastolic BP was significant (F[1,36] = 7.917, P = .020).

Conclusions:
Increases in ICARE speed and decreases in motor assistance contributed to clinically relevant increases in HR, RPE, and systolic BP in a cohort of young, nondisabled adults.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)155-122
Number of pages8
JournalCardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal
Volume30
Issue number3
StatePublished - Jul 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • physical rehabilitation
  • heart rate
  • robotics

Disciplines

  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Physical Therapy

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