Bjerkefors, A, Jansson, A, Thorstensson, A. (2006). Shoulder muscle strength in paraplegics before and after kayak ergometer training. Eur J Appl Physiol 97: 613-618.
The researchers examined the effects of a 10-week kayak ergometer training program on voluntary shoulder strength in 10 persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants paddled on a modified commercially available kayak ergometer for 60 minutes, 3 times a week for 10 weeks. Shoulder strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results showed that kayak ergometer training does provide enough stimuli to improve maximal voluntary shoulder muscle strength without associated shoulder problems or symptoms of overload. This may be an accessible and effective means for increasing shoulder muscle strength in persons with SCI which may assist with daily functional activities as well as contribute to improved upper body stabilization and balance control.
For the full abstract summary, go to http://www.ncpad.org/469/2351/Shoulder~muscle~strength~in~paraplegics~before~and~after~
kayak~ergometer~training.