| 1. |
- Bjerkefors, Mats-Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Kajak & skridskohandbok : för dig med funktionsnedsättning
- 2013
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Bok (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- Med kajak- och skridskohandboken vill vi dela med oss av våra erfarenheter. Boken kan ses både som en inspirationskälla för nya aktiva och som en handbok för ledare och föreningar som vill starta friluftsverksamhet för personer med funktionsnedsättning.
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| 2. |
- Qvarfordt, Anna, 1965-, et al.
(författare)
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Para sport and anti-doping: a study of Swedish Para athletes' experiences and perceptions
- 2024
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2624-9367. ; 6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: A well-functioning anti-doping system relies on being perceived by athletes as effective, fair, and practically feasible to implement. While research has highlighted the views of Olympic athletes on anti-doping over the past decade, the experiences and perceptions of Para athletes have not been extensively explored. The purpose of this study was to examine Swedish elite Para athletes' experiences and perceptions of the policy and practice of the anti-doping system.Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional approach was used, with a web survey elaborated from a survey with Olympic athletes adjusted for Para athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. The sample consisted of 66 active Para athletes competing at national or international level (response rate 71%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and differences between subgroups were examined Fisher's exact test. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze open-ended questions.Results: Most of the respondents expressed a positive outlook on the anti-doping system, advocating for comprehensive efforts. A significant portion (35%) had not received anti-doping education, with those who did reporting increased confidence in avoiding unintentional doping. Despite their elite status, half of the respondents had not undergone doping control. Mistrust regarding the system's effectiveness and fairness was identified, with over half of the participants emphasizing the need for new technical solutions to enhance procedures specifically tailored for Para athletes.Discussion: The athletes in this study advocate for a Para sports-focused approach in the anti-doping system, emphasizing equal testing opportunities, procedural adjustments for independence and privacy, and increased access to education. The findings illuminate the unique conditions faced by athletes with impairments within the anti-doping system, offering valuable insights for policymaking in the development of anti-doping strategies tailored to Para athletes and their various impairments.
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| 3. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Assessment of abdominal muscle function in individuals with motor-complete spinal cord injury above T6 in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. - : Medical Journals Sweden AB. - 1650-1977 .- 1651-2081. ; 47:2, s. 138-146
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To use transcranial magnetic stimulation and electromyography to assess the potential for preserved function in the abdominal muscles in individuals classified with motor-complete spinal cord injury above T6. Subjects: Five individuals with spinal cord injury (C5-T3) and 5 able-bodied individuals. Methods: Transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered over the abdominal region of primary motor cortex during resting and sub-maximal (or attempted) contractions. Surface electromyography was used to record motor-evoked potentials as well as maximal voluntary (or attempted) contractions in the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Results: Responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation in the abdominal muscles occurred in all spinal cord injury subjects. Latencies of muscle response onsets were similar in both groups; however, peak-to-peak amplitudes were smaller in the spinal cord injury group. During maximal voluntary (or attempted) contractions all spinal cord injury subjects were able to elicit electromyography activity above resting levels in more than one abdominal muscle across tasks. Conclusion: Individuals with motor-complete spinal cord injury above T6 were able to activate abdominal muscles in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation and during maximal voluntary (or attempted) contractions. The activation was induced directly through corticospinal pathways, and not indirectly by stretch reflex activations of the diaphragm. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electromyography measurements provide a useful method to assess motor preservation of abdominal muscles in persons with spinal cord injury.
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| 4. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Deep and superficial abdominal muscle activation during trunk stabilization exercises with and without instruction to hollow.
- 2010
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Ingår i: Manual Therapy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1356-689X .- 1532-2769. ; 15:5, s. 502-7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The deepest muscle of the human ventro-lateral abdominal wall, the Transversus Abdominis (TrA), has been ascribed a specific role in spine stabilization, which has motivated special core stability exercises and hollowing instruction to specifically involve this muscle. The purpose here was to evaluate the levels of activation of the TrA and the superficial Rectus Abdominis (RA) muscles during five common stabilization exercises performed in supine, bridging and four-point kneeling positions, with and without instruction to hollow, i.e. to continuously pull the lower part of the abdomen towards the spine. Nine habitually active women participated and muscle activity was recorded bilaterally from TrA and RA with intramuscular fine-wire electrodes introduced under the guidance of ultrasound. Results showed that subjects were able to selectively increase the activation of the TrA, isolated from the RA, with the specific instruction to hollow and that side differences in the amplitude of TrA activity, related to the asymmetry of the exercises, remained even after the instruction to hollow. The exercises investigated caused levels of TrA activation from 4 to 43% of that during maximal effort and can thus be used clinically to grade the load on the TrA when designing programs aiming at training that muscle.
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| 5. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Diagnostic accuracy of common clinical tests for assessing abdominal muscle function after motor-complete spinal cord injury above T6.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Spinal Cord. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1362-4393 .- 1476-5624. ; 53, s. 114-119
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Study design:Diagnostic study.Objectives:The objective of this study was to compare patterns of electromyography (EMG) recordings of abdominal muscle function in persons with motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI) above T6 and in able-bodied controls, and to determine whether manual examination or ultrasound measures of muscle activation can be accurate alternatives to EMG.Setting:Research center focused on SCI and University laboratory, Vancouver, Canada.Methods:Thirteen people with SCI (11 with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A and 2 AIS B; C4-T5), and 13 matched able-bodied participants volunteered for the study. Participants completed trunk tasks during manual examination of the abdominal muscles and then performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions, while EMG activity and muscle thickness changes were recorded. The frequency of muscle responses detected by manual examination and ultrasound were compared with detection by EMG (sensitivity and specificity).Results:All individuals with SCI were able to elicit EMG activity above resting levels in at least one abdominal muscle during one task. In general, the activation pattern was task specific, confirming voluntary control of the muscles. Ultrasound, when compared with EMG, showed low sensitivity but was highly specific in its ability to detect preserved abdominal muscle function in persons with SCI. Conversely, manual examination was more sensitive than ultrasound but showed lower specificity.Conclusion:The results from this study confirm preserved voluntary abdominal muscle function in individuals classified with motor-complete SCI above T6 and highlight the need for further research in developing more accurate clinical measures to diagnose the level of trunk muscle preservation in individuals with SCI.Spinal Cord advance online publication, 25 November 2014; doi:10.1038/sc.2014.202.
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| 6. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Dynamic trunk stability is improved in paraplegics following kayak ergometer training.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. - : Wiley. - 0905-7188 .- 1600-0838. ; 17:6, s. 672-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of the study was to assess whether postural stability in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) could be affected by training. Ten post-rehabilitated persons with thoracic SCI performed 30 sessions of kayak ergometer training during a 10-week period. The ergometer was modified with a balance module adjustable in the medio-lateral direction. Before and after the training period, horizontal support-surface translations were presented randomly, either in the forward or backward direction, or to the side, while subjects sat in their own wheelchairs. The platform perturbation consisted of an unpredictable initial acceleration, followed by a constant-velocity phase and a predictable deceleration. Markers were applied on the trunk and movement data were recorded in 3D. Four kinematic responses of trunk angular and linear displacement were investigated. In general, postural stability was improved after training with smaller rotational and linear displacements of the trunk observed during both predictable and unpredictable translations in all directions. Thus, the training was able to improve the ability of persons with long-standing SCI to maintain an upright sitting posture in response to externally generated balance perturbations, which should imply an increased capacity to master similar challenges to balance in everyday life.
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| 7. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of kayak ergometer training on motor performance in paraplegics.
- 2006
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Ingår i: International Journal of Sports Medicine. - : Georg Thieme Verlag KG. - 0172-4622 .- 1439-3964. ; 27:10, s. 824-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of kayak ergometer training on functional tests performed in wheelchair by persons with spinal cord injury. Ten post-rehabilitated persons with thoracic spinal cord injury volunteered for the study and performed 30 sessions of kayak ergometer training during a 10-week period. The ergometer was modified with an additional balance demand in the medio-lateral direction. Before and after the training period the subjects performed functional tests in the wheelchair: Sit-and-reach tests (distance), mounting a platform, transfer to a bench (height), propelling the wheelchair: 5 m on the rear wheels; in a figure-8; 15 m on a level surface and 50 m on a 3 degrees inclined surface (time). Test-retests were performed for all tests before the training began. A written questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the subjective experiences of the training. The test-retest resulted in coefficient of variation of 1.3 - 4.6 %. There were significant improvements in sit-and-reach (14 %), mounting a platform (7 %), transfer to a bench (10 %), propelling on level (3 %), and inclined surface (6 %). Furthermore, the training, did not cause any shoulder pain or other problems. This, and the positive subjective experience expressed by the subjects after the training indicate that this type of training is a suitable activity for persons with thoracic spinal cord injury.
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| 8. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of seated double-poling ergometer training on aerobic and mechanical power in paraplegics
- 2012
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction In wheelchair-dependent individuals with paraplegia, over 80 % would benefit from health-intervention programmes due to increased risks for cardiovascular diseases. One way to reduce the likelihood of secondary complications and/or to enhance physical capacity is to add structured exercise activities to the regular schedule throughout life. A seated double-poling ergometer (SDPE) has been developed and recently evaluated on a group of people with SCI. The results indicated that the SDPE appeared to be a suitable training tool; the shoulder movement was within a range of motion not conducive to musculoskeletal injury and it provided a large range of controllable intensities enabling both endurance and strength training.Purpose To study if regular interval training on a SDPE can increase physical capacity and hence improve performance towards maximal level with safety in individuals with spinal cord injury. Methods Thirteen healthy wheelchair users (8 M, 5 F; 47 ± 12 years, 1.75 ± 0.08 m, 67.9 ± 10.2 kg) with SCI levels ranging from T5 to L1, volunteered for the study. Years post injury varied from 3 to 35. All subjects performed 30 sessions of SDPE training during 10 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 55 min, and included a warm-up, interval training (15 s – 3 min work and 15 s – 2 min rest) and a cool-down. The intensity of the intervals was determined to lead up to 70 – 100 % of peak heart rate. Sub-maximal and maximal double-poling ergometer tests were performed before and after this training period. Oxygen uptake was measured using the Douglas Bag system. Three-dimensional kinematics were recorded using an optoelectronic system. Results Significant improvements after training were observed in oxygen uptake (23 %), ventilation (21 %) and blood lactate (22 %) during maximal exertion exercises (Table 1). Mean power per stroke and peak pole force increased with 15 % and 24 %, respectively. At sub-maximal level, significantly lower values were observed in ventilation (-13 %) and blood lactate (-25 %).Conclusion Regular interval training on the seated double-poling ergometer (SDPE) increased oxygen uptake and power out-put and can be recommended for people with paraplegia below T5 level due to SCI. Despite the high intensity training in this study, no overload symptoms were reported. On the contrary, certain types of musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain seem to benefit from training on the SDPE.
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| 9. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of seated double-poling ergometer training on oxygen uptake, upper-body muscle strength and motor performance in paraplegics
- 2012
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In wheelchair-dependent individuals with paraplegia, over 80 % would benefit from health-intervention programmes due to increased risks for cardiovascular diseases. One way to reduce the likelihood of secondary complications and/or to enhance physical capacity is to add structured exercise activities throughout life.Objective: To study the effects of seated double-poling ergometer (SDPE) training on aerobic capacity, upper-body muscle strength, and cross-over effects on functional performance. Methods: Thirteen individuals with paraplegia performed 30 sessions of SDPE training during 10 weeks. Before and after the training period a) oxygen uptake was measured using the Douglas Bag system during sub-maximal and maximal double-poling ergometer tests, b) trunk, shoulder and elbow muscle strength measurements were performed during maximal voluntary contractions using an isokinetic dynamometer and c) functional tests in wheelchair were performed included; sit-and-reach test, propelling 15 m on a level surface, propelling 50 m up a 3º incline, and propelling 6 min on a 200 m indoor track. Test-retests were performed for all tests before the training began.Results: The average intra-class correlation coefficient for test-retest values was 0.91 (SD 0.07). Significant improvements after training were observed in oxygen uptake (22.7 %), ventilation (20.7 %) and blood lactate (22.0 %) during maximal exertion exercises. At sub-maximal level, significantly lower values were observed in ventilation (-12.8 %) and blood lactate (-25.0 %). Maximal isometric trunk muscle strength (17.0 %) and maximal isokinetic shoulder muscle strength (4.4 %) in flexion and extension improved after training. There were significant improvements in sit-and-reach test in forward directions (7.8 %) and in 15 m sprint test (5.2 %). Conclusion: Regular interval training on the SPDE was effective for individuals with paraplegia to improve aerobic capacity and upper-body muscle strength. Some cross-over effects on functional performance were also shown. Furthermore, the training did not cause any overload symptoms.
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| 10. |
- Bjerkefors, Anna
(författare)
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Performance and trainability in paraplegics : motor function, shoulder muscle strength and sitting balance before and after kayak ergometer training
- 2006
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a complete or partial loss of motor and/or sensory function below the injury level. An SCI causes extensive functional impairment compelling many persons to wheelchair usage. Maintaining an adequate strength and control of trunk and shoulder muscles becomes essential, as the majority of every day tasks will be performed in a sitting position. Moreover, physical exercise is crucial to avoid risks connected with a sedentary life-style. Therefore, it becomes important to find suitable, effective, and attractive physical activities to retain and even improve motor functions achieved during rehabilitation. Ideally, such a training activity should be versatile and have the potential to improve several capacities beneficial to everyday life and thereby increase the independence of persons with SCI. Kayak paddling appears to fulfil several of the criteria for such an activity. Objectives: The overall aims were to see if, and to what extent, a period of training on a modified kayak ergometer could influence functional performance as well as specific qualities, such as, shoulder muscle strength and sitting balance control in a group of postrehabilitated persons with thoracic SCI. An additional aim was to understand more about the availability of the trunk muscles in a person with a clinically complete thoracic SCI and how the trunk muscles are used to maintain upright sitting in response to balance perturbations. Methods: Ten adult post-rehabilitated persons with thoracic SCI performed 30 sessions of kayak ergometer training for a 10-week period, with progressively increased intensity and balance demand in the medio-lateral direction. Pre- and post-training measurements included performance in functional wheelchair tests, maximal voluntary shoulder muscle strength, and trunk stability in response to support-surface translations. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings from deep and superficial trunk muscles were obtained in a sub-sample of two subjects, one with a high thoracic SCI and one able-bodied person. Results: There were significant improvements with training in functional performance, shoulder muscle strength, and the ability to maintain an upright sitting posture in response to balance perturbations in the group of persons with SCI. The EMG results revealed that the person with a high thoracic SCI, clinically classified as complete, was still able to activate trunk muscles below the injury, both in maximal voluntary efforts and in response to balance perturbations, but the response pattern differed from that of the ablebodied. Conclusions: The improvements in test-performance observed with the kayak ergometer training in the persons with SCI should enhance their capacity to master similar challenges in everyday life, which, in turn, might lead to a greater independence. The pilot data on muscle activation highlight the importance of including examination of trunk muscle function in persons with thoracic SCI in relation to injury classification, prognosis, and training prescription.
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