Comparison of fat oxidation in arm cranking in spinal cord-injured people versus ergometry in cyclists

The aim of our study was to establish the exercise intensity with the highest fat oxidation rate in spinal cord-injured (SCI) people compared with able-bodied subjects on a stationary ergometer in order to provide recommendations for ergometer training. Ten endurance-trained wheelchair athletes [V̇O_{2peak,armcranking} 35.9 (5.7) ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹; mean (SE)] and ten endurance-trained cyclists [V̇O_{2peak,cycling} 62.3 (4.6) ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹] were studied over 20 min at 55%, 65% and 75% V̇O_{2peak,armcranking} or V̇O_{2peak,cycling} on a cycling ergometer, respectively, in order to find the intensity with the highest fat oxidation. Total energy expenditure, and highest oxidation rate for fat and carbohydrate were highest at 75% V̇O_{2peak,armcranking} and V̇O_{2peak,cycling}. Relative fat oxidation was highest at 55% V̇O_{2peak,armcranking} and V̇O_{2peak,cycling}. Wheelchair athletes showed a tendency for higher lactate concentrations at each intensity compared to cyclists. Well-trained wheelchair athletes and cyclists reach the highest fat oxidation in arm cranking, respectively, in cycling on a stationary ergometer at the same relative intensity of 75% V̇O_{2peak,armcranking} and V̇O_{2peak,cycling}. We presume that well-trained wheelchair athletes can perform ergometer training on a stationary ergometer at 75% V̇O_{2peak,armcranking}. Results are presented as mean (SE).