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Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Clifford Heidorn

For the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy
Exercise Physiology

Effects of Ventilatory Training on Blood Pressure Regulation and Exercise Performance in Individuals with Paralysis

March 20, 2025
2:00 P.M.
MACC Annex 272
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Via

Effects of Ventilatory Training on Blood Pressure Regulation and Exercise Performance in Individuals with Paralysis

The first study aimed to investigate the influence of ventilatory training on blood pressure regulation as well as cerebral tissue oxygenation during an orthostatic challenge in individuals with paralysis. The second explored the influence of electrically stimulated cycling exercise on muscle and cerebral tissue oxygenation. 

Study 1: Individuals with paralysis completed an eight-week ventilatory training protocol completing 200 breaths a day five days a week at 50% max pressure. Pulmonary function and a supine to seated orthostatic test were assessed pre and post training. There was an observed improvement in maintenance of blood pressure and no decrease in cerebral tissue saturation during the post-training orthostatic test. 

Study 2: Individuals with paralysis completed five intervals of electrically stimulated cycling exercise. There was an observed increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin of the stimulated leg muscles while an increase in cerebral oxygenated and total hemoglobin during exercise. 

The results from the first study further justifies the implementation and investigation of ventilatory training for individuals with paralysis. The results from the second study warrants investigation of electrically stimulated cycling for impacts on cerebral health and function for individuals with paralysis.