The Effect of Physical Training on Oxygen Utilization and Lactate Formation in the Exercising Muscle of Adolescents with Motor Handicaps

Abstract

Submaximal work was performed before and after 6 weeks' physical training by 9 male adolescents with cerebral palsy and post-traumatic hemiplegia. Exercise performance increased on an average 18 per cent. Heart rate during work was significantly lower after training, while pulmonary ventilation and oxygen uptake were unaffected. Arterio-venous oxygen and lactate differences over the exercising leg were significantly lower after training. No significant change was observed in the arterial inflow capacity of the leg. The results suggest an increased perfusion of the exercising muscles in connection with training.

Key Words:

• Cerebral palsy
• exercise therapy
• lactate
• oxygen consumption
• peripheral circulation
• plethysmography