Biomedical subjects

X Devillard

Publications and source records attributed to X Devillard.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

[Training programs in spinal cord injury].

INTRODUCTION: Individualised exercise training programs in spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals are considered highly effective for improving and maintaining capacity for physical activity, as well as for reducing cardiovascular risk. However, no consensus exists on the type, intensity, and frequency of the training programs for SCI. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about training program characteristics for SCI and describe their efficacy, limits, and results, with the aim of proposing specific recommendations. METHODS: Query using Medline and Embase databases. Ninety-nine references were found, including the following: Clinical studies examining physical endurance capacity of individuals with SCI, physiological responses to maximal exercise, or cardiovascular differences between sedentary and wheelchair-trained subjects; Articles? investigating the effects of training programmes for SCI. RESULTS: Various combinations of training intensity, duration, frequency, type, and ergometers have been proposed for SCI. Whatever the characteristics of the training program, a review of 25 cardiorespiratory training studies involving SCI subjects revealed an average improvement of 9% to 99% in VO2max, 19% to 118% in power output, and a decrease in submaximal values after 4 to 36 weeks of training. DISCUSSION - CONCLUSION: Wheelchair ergometers seems to be interesting for SCI because it mimics closely the daily motor tasks of wheelchair users and allows for adjustment of the wheelchair. Both continuous and interval training programmes are appropriate, but intermittent exercise intensities may be more beneficial since they mimic the intermittent nature of daily activity patterns. Furthermore, on the basis of the results of these studies, we recommend that training at or above 70% of maximum heart rate, for 30 minutes of rhythmic exercise, three days per week during eight weeks, will provide a sound of basis for design of an endurance exercise programme for people with SCI.

Exercise Therapy↗

PubMed2005

[Hemiplegia and a hiking tour of Mont Blanc: from hope to reality].

INTRODUCTION: At the end of an endurance training program for stroke patients with hemiplegia, we offered a hiking tour around the Mont Blanc Pedestrian Tour. We found no publication describing a similar experience and no scientific data in the literature to determine the physiological characteristics required for this performance, particularly regarding cardiac and vascular capacities, level of impairment, and functional abilities. OBJECTIVE: To complete a part of the Mont Blanc Pedestrian Tour over six days, with a group of adults with hemiparesis and aphasia due to stroke. POPULATION: Seven of 20 subjects with right hemiparesis and aphasia were selected on the basis of results of physiological tests, after an endurance training program and two tests hikes at medium altitude. Mean age was 51.71 +/- 7.13 years, mean VO(2max) 19.76 +/- 3.46 ml.g(-1).mm(-1), mean P(max) 90 +/- 22.68 and mean walking speed 3.60 +/- 1.30 km/hour. ORGANIZATION: Organization involved setting up the itinerary, recruiting accompanying personnel (9 people), and arranging security. No specific adaptations for accessibility were available, and no specific equipment was used, except for standard walking sticks. RESULTS: During this pedestrian tour, the subjects demonstrated strong motivation, as well as exceptional physical and functional performance, despite significant changes in elevation (up to 1500 m per day) and long walking times (from 5 to 9 hours per day). DISCUSSION: This experience has enriched our reflection about the medical, functional, and psychological conditions required for this type of physical effort, both from patients and accompanying personnel. In the absence of reports on similar experiences with this patient population, we thought it interesting, six months after this challenge, to present our observations as well as the patients' point of view. This may encourage other rehabilitation teams to offer intensive walking activities for stroke patients.

Aphasia↗

PubMed2001

Validation of a new ergometer adapted to all types of manual wheelchair.

Research concerning the physiological and biomechanical parameters of wheelchair propulsion requires the use of an accurate and reproducible protocol. Although some research comparing different ergometers has been conducted, it is not easy to fulfil the requirements of the realistic simulation of propulsion together with the careful analysis of metabolic and biomechanical parameters of performance. The VP100H ergometer has been validated for this purpose by comparing the values of power output (W) and force exerted to accelerate the wheels (F) with the same measures obtained using a two-dimensional force transducer (platform). The reproducibility of the power was verified during a test re-test procedure. Ten sportsmen performed an incremental exercise. Maximal aerobic power (Waer,max), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximum heart rate (fcmax), % Waer,max/%VO2max relationship (aV) and %Waer,max/%fcmax relationship (aH) were calculated. Results indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05) in VP100H versus platform measurements for F and W. Errors of measured Fand W ranged from 0.89% to 7.56% and from 0.41% to 6.74%, respectively, depending upon the trunk muscles that participate in the propulsion. This corresponded to a maximum error of 4.9 W for W. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed during the test re-test procedure for Waer,max, VO2max, fcmax, aH and aV. The coefficient of variation of these values ranged from 1.4 to 9.5, and the correlation coefficient from 0.68 to 0.98. We conclude that the VP100H is valid for measuring W, and F, and that these values are reproducible (when tested 10 days later).

Adult↗