Usability of the Adapted Rower for People With Spinal Cord Injury

A single group rolling prospective cohort study with a target of 15 participants will evaluate the initial design prototype using the an existing adaptive rower design. Participants will have one visit to the University of South Carolina Rehabilitation lab. Participants will receive an orientation to the rowing machine and available handle, grip and trunk support options. Training will be provided in proper rowing technique and use of the rate of perceived exertion scale. Participants will be fitted with a heart rate monitoring device and resting heart rate established. Participants will perform two bouts of rowing exercise each with a 2-minute warm up and cool down in addition to the following: (1)10 minutes of steady state rowing with goals to achieve moderate intensity exertion levels, followed by a variable rest period to return exertion and heart rate to initial levels, (2) 10 minutes of interval rowing alternating between one minute of low-moderate intensity and 30 seconds of moderate-vigorous intensity. Participants heart rate will be monitored and recorded throughout the testing period, with rate of perceived exertion at start, midpoint and end of steady state period, and at start, at each interval, and at end in interval period.

Inclusion criteria

• use a wheelchair for mobility,
• can perform the rowing motion with their arms
• have enough grip strength to maintain grip on the rower handle with or without grip assist straps
• are cleared to exercise through the electronic physical readiness questionnaire or physician release

Exclusion criteria

• current self-reported pressure wounds
• pain with rowing motion.