Effect of concurrent training in unilateral transtibial amputees using Paralympic athletes as a control group

• Published in: Clinics (São Paulo, Brazil) Brazil), 2023-01, Vol.78, p.100165-100165, Article 100165
• Main Authors: Grecco, Marcus Vinicius, Brech, Guilherme Carlos, Soares-Junior, Jose Maria, Baracat, Edmund Chada, Greve, Júlia Maria D'Andrea, Silva, Paulo Roberto Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amputees; Brazil; Concurrent Training; Control Groups; Ergospirometry; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; Original; Para-Athletes; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation; Transtibial Amputation
• ISSN: 1807-5932; 1980-5322; 1980-5322
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100165

•Unilateral transtibial amputees and functional deficits.•Concurrent training proved to be effective.•Paralympic athletes should review their physical training. Transtibial Amputation (TA) predisposes to a sedentary lifestyle. To evaluate the efficiency of a short-term (8-week) Concurrent Training (CT) program in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees (UTA) and to compare it with the physical condition of a group of Paralympic athletes in preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics. This was a longitudinal, prospective and controlled trial study. Thirty-four male subjects with UTA and using prostheses for six months or more were selected for this study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) ‒ 17 non-athlete and untrained UTA and Group 2 (G2) ‒ 17 paralympic athletes with active UTA in the training phase. G1 was evaluated before and after eight weeks of CT and G2 made a single evaluation for control. All were submitted to anamnesis, clinical evaluation (blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and heart rate) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a lower limb cycle ergometer, and isokinetic knee dynamometry. The CT of G1 included resistance exercise and aerobic interval training on a stationary bicycle and G2 followed the training of the Paralympic teams. Patients were retested by the same methods after CT. The two most important central dependent variables (maximal oxygen uptake and muscular strength) increased by 22% and knee extensor and flexor strength by 106% and 97%, respectively. After eight weeks of CT, there was an improvement in general functional condition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory performance improving protection against chronic diseases and quality of life.