Key result
Adapted upper-body exercise improves VO2 peak up to ~20% in wheelchair users.
Why the study?
Wheelchair users have increased cardiovascular risk and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, yet evidence regarding their integration into cardiac rehabilitation functional assessments and exercise prescriptions remains limited and heterogeneous.
Does adapted upper-body exercise training and functional assessment improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and cardiometabolic risk profile in adult wheelchair users within cardiac rehabilitation?
Does adapted upper-body exercise training and functional assessment improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and cardiometabolic risk profile in adult wheelchair users within cardiac rehabilitation?
This scoping review demonstrates that functional assessment and exercise prescription can be effectively adapted for wheelchair users using upper-body modalities (such as arm ergometry, 6-minute push tests, and handgrip dynamometry) to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and strength within cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Supports adapted upper-body training in cardiac rehabilitation for wheelchair users; extends trial evidence to inclusive functional assessments and prescriptions.
Wheelchair users present a distinct cardiometabolic profile characterized by reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, altered body composition, and increased cardiovascular risk.However, evidence regarding their integration into cardiac rehabilitation program assessments remains limited and heterogeneous.The available evidence on adaptations to functional assessment and exercise prescription for wheelchair users within the context of cardiac rehabilitation was mapped.A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science without restrictions on language or publication date.Original studies involving adult wheelchair users that assessed cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, body composition, or exercise prescription characteristics were included.Seventeen studies were included.Functional evaluation was primarily based on upper-body exercise testing using arm crank ergometry and oxygen uptake measurement.Muscular strength was assessed using repetition maximums and handgrip dynamometry, while body composition was evaluated using bioimpedance, densitometry, and waist circumference.Exercise interventions included aerobic training, high-intensity interval training, and resistance training, typically performed 3 to 5 times per week over 4 to 16 weeks, showing improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness.Functional assessment and exercise prescription in wheelchair users require specific adaptations but can be effectively integrated into cardiac rehabilitation programs, promoting inclusion and enabling a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular risk.
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González-Cetina et al. (2026) conducted a review in Wheelchair users (primarily spinal cord injuries) requiring cardiac rehabilitation or cardiovascular risk management. Adapted functional evaluation and exercise prescription (upper-body aerobic training, HIIT, and resistance training) was evaluated on Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak/max), muscular strength, and body composition adaptations. Upper-body aerobic and strength exercise interventions performed 3 to 5 times weekly over 4 to 16 weeks consistently improved cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak by 5% to 20%) in wheelchair users.
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