During imaging, participants completed 4 cycles of exercise (quadricep extensions) at 65% of maximal workload for 1 min, with 1 min of rest between each bout of exercise.
The moderate-intensity exercise bout consisted of continuous cycling performed on a cycle ergometer at 50% of individual maximal workload capacity of the patients, translating to an average absolute workload of 85 ± 4 W (∼6 MET).
We used maximal workload to represent physical fitness in individuals with SCI.
In order to achieve these benefits, patients with COPD have to train for 8 12 weeks, four times a week, at an intensity of 60 80% of maximal workload, during 20 30 minutes each session [ 31– 31].
The first four weeks, the high intensity endurance interval exercises consist of two times eight minutes cycling, with alternating workloads: 30 seconds at a workload of 65% of the maximal workload assessed by the steep ramp test and 60 seconds at 30%.
Endurance training consisted of ergometer cycling performed twice a week for 30 min at 55% of the predetermined maximal workload (Wmax) and resistance exercise consisted of one series of eight repetitions at 55% of their maximal voluntary contraction and two series of eight repetitions at 75% weekly, focusing on the large muscle groups.
BOLD MRI was used to measure skeletal muscle microvascular response during 60 second recovery, following 60 s of exercise at 65% of maximal workload.
Aerobic exercises are performed for 30 minutes per session (with a minimal duration of ten minutes per exercise), with an intensity of 50%to80%0% of the maximal workload (Wmax) as estimated by the Steep Ramp Test [ 33].
The best regression model for explaining the total variation of maximal workload and peak oxygen uptake selected maximal inspiratory pressures as the independent variable (r2 = 59.6%, p = 0.003 and r2 = 62.5%, p = 0.05 respectively).
The normal exercise-induced increase in Ees was attenuated in survivors at 50%and75%5% of maximal workload (p <.01).
