Aerobic
cardiovascular fitness is comparatively low for individuals with SCI,
approximately 25% of otherwise healthy young individuals with SCI fail to
achieve oxygen consumption levels sufficient to perform essential activities of
daily living (ADLs). Glucose metabolism,
cytokine levels, HDL concentration, and self-esteem magnitude can be modified
through increased physical activity including arm cycle ergometry, functional
electrical stimulation, robotically assisted treadmill training, and aquatic
exercise. However, controversy exists regarding the frequency and intensity
required to achieve these beneficial effects. Clinically it is vital for
optimal client health to assess baseline and post intervention cardiovascular
levels. This presentation will increase understanding of cardiovascular fitness
assessment and intervention for individuals with spinal cord injury as well as
other chronic neuromuscular conditions.
Pragmatic case examples demonstrate the systemic health issues linked to
cardiovascular fitness, intervention concepts, and assessment possibilities
(clinical and research). Our ultimate goal is to increase practitioner
awareness and advocacy for annual cardiovascular assessment and intervention
for all individuals living with chronic neuromuscular conditions.
Learning Objectives:
Upon
completion of the course, participants will be able to:
Knowledge
List
systemic issues associated with decreased cardiovascular fitness for
individuals with spinal cord injury (and other neuromuscular chronic
conditions).
Comprehension
Calculate
the metabolic equivalent units for a given activity for a person with spinal
cord injury.
Application/Analyses
Select
aquatic environment conditions as well as supportive and resistance equipment
needed for a given client case.
4.Describes
cardiovascular conditioning for the client in #3, insuring adequate dosage and
client safety.
Evaluation
Select
assessment tool to measure the cardiovascular conditioning for the given client
in learner’s facility.
Action
Identify
skills, equipment, education/training needed to implement cardiovascular
conditioning and assessment at each learner’s facility.
Attitude
Offer
2-3 concepts to adopt and promote in the learner’s facility, community, and
practice arena to advance a health and wellness model for all individuals with
chronic neuromuscular conditions.
Note: CEU not applicable in AK, CA, CO, HI, LA,
NJ, NM, NV
Note: CEU not pre-approved in the following
states, but licensees may seek their own approval in AR, DE, FL, OH, TX
All other states: .18 CEU/1.75 CCU or contact hours