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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