Publication Date

1987

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Zimmerman, M. Nadine

Degree Name

M.S. Ed. (Master of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Physical Education

LCSH

Muscle strength; Isometric exercise; Spinal cord--Wounds and injuries

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week Nautilus weight training program on the muscular strength of a C4-C5 incomplete spinal cord injured (SCI) subject. The subject selected for the study was a 19-year-old male who sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C4-C5 level secondary to a diving accident in June of 1983. Muscular strength was assessed by one-repetition maximum tests using both free weights and Nautilus equipment. Weight, height, body girth, and skinfold measures were also ascertained. Each assessment item was administered as a pretest following an orientation of two practice sessions. Subsequent testing, utilizing all of the same assessment items, was performed on the subject after each week of training throughout the 12-week program. The training program consisted of eight different exercises on seven Nautilus machines. Sessions were conducted three times a week for approximately 60 min per session. Training principles/protocols utilized in this study were those suggested by Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and comparisons were made between each week's assessment scores. Results of the combined dynamic muscular strength assessment items revealed a considerable improvement in muscular strength following participation in a 12-week Nautilus weight training program. Differences were also seen in assessment scores of anatomical dimensions after Nautilus weight training. The results of this study demonstrated that weight training with Nautilus equipment can be beneficial to muscular strength development of a C4-C5 incomplete SCI subject. It was concluded that the Nautilus system of variable resistance weight training was an effective muscular strengthening activity for this individual who sustained trauma to the spinal cord.

Extent

vii, 66 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

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