CompletedNot Applicable

Arm Cycling to Improve Fitness in Polio Survivors

Ireland55 participantsStarted 2010-07

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of upper limb cardiovascular training on fitness, energy cost of walking, fatigue and pain in polio survivors. Polio survivors often have difficulty accessing aerobic forms of exercise due to limitations in mobility, pain associated with walking and fatigue. This can result in becoming physically unfit and places polio survivors at risk of secondary heath problems due to inactivity. A large percentage of polio survivors have lower limb involvement but have strong arms. The participants in this study will exercise at home using simple arm cycles for 8 weeks. They will attend for assessment on two occasions. All exercise will be prescribed by a Physiotherapist and includes measures to ensure safety while exercising at home.

Who can participate

Age range18 Years – 75 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * A confirmed history of Poliomyelitis affecting at least one lower limb, confirmed by the consultant Neurologist, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, and documented in the medical chart. * Capable of walking for 6 minutes, with or without an aid or appliance (as reported by the patient). * Good upper limb strength, confirmed objectively by Quantitative Muscle Analysis (QMA) (Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC)). MVIC scores of 7 out of 10 tested upper limb movements must lie above the 5th percentile of the normal range. * Completion of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and cleared by medical practitioner as safe for exercise if indicated. * Aged \> 18 and \< 75 NOTE: Participants must be resident in Ireland. Exclusion Criteria: * History of unstable cardiac or respiratory conditions * Uncontrolled hypertension * Oxygen dependence * Significant upper limb pain (Visual Analogue Scale \> 4 or more than 3 specific sites of pain) * Severe fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale \> 5) * Recent onset of upper limb weakness or severe upper limb weakness (\< 5th percentile on more than 3 tested upper limb movements, either reported by the patient or measured using Quantitative Muscle assessment. * Steroid use in last 3 months * Use of medications which may influence cardiovascular testing (Beta-blockers etc) * Pregnant Women

What they're measuring

Six Minute Arm Test

Timeframe: Eight weeks

The Physical Activity Scale for Persons with Physical Disabilities

Timeframe: Eight weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01271530

SponsorRoyal College of Surgeons, Ireland

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2013-09