Wheelchair driving. Evaluation of a new training outfit.

A training apparatus for wheelchair drivers has been constructed. Its purpose is to offer an alternative for outdoor training or in indoor halls. Wheelchair driving/training is performed on a simple system of rollers (originally designed for racing cyclists), which was tested by 10 skilled wheelchair drivers (participants in the Swedish national wheelchair basketball team) and 6 unskilled wheelchair drivers. Maximal working tests have been performed and compared with arm ergometer work. The results show that skilled wheelchair drivers are subject to a greater load on the oxygen transport system during wheelchair work on rollers as compared with arm ergometer work. This is probably because they are capable of increasing their working muscle mass in wheelchair driving by engaging the muscles of the trunk. Corresponding differences cannot be found for the unskilled wheelchair drivers. Wheelchair work on rollers also offers an adequate neuromuscular training for this category of participants in 'wheelchair' sports.