Rowers and scullers

Have not seen any problems from anyone who row or sculls with pacemaker. I have had Medtronic Kappa KDR901 implanted in 2006. My running since the implant has caused me no problems but my rowing after 20min exercise my h/r would decrease.

After discussions and tests it would seem that the Medtronic unit has inbuilt motion sensor that detects the vertical motion of running okay but with the rowing not imparting this motion. Anyone out there had any experience?

Tonym

3 Comments

I have an EnRythm

by boatman50 - 2008-04-28 09:04:29

I use my Concept2 and have not had a problem. However this may be because my EP has turned off most of my devices features at this time. I think I have the cheapest model they could put in!
Good luck, Boatman

Swimming Workouts

by richan - 2008-05-01 07:05:54

Hi Tonym,
I received my Guidant 1280 back in March 2005. As I understand it, this pacemaker has 2 "triggers" that will increase my heart rate: 1) motion sensor like yours that works if I am vertical - walking/running; and 2) breathing - not sure how it works. So, in swimming, the motion sensor does nothing! I'm kinda stuck at stroke, stroke, breathe. I struggle when we do hypoxy sets. My pacemaker lady has tuned and re-tuned me to get the "breathing gizmo to respond faster. So far, my only "solution" has been to hyperventilate as much as I can between sets and hyperventilate a lot before send-offs during sets. When the send-off intervals are really short, I don't do very well after the first 3 or 4 of the sets. I have communicated with Guidant asking if there is anything "new" coming down the pike that will deal with this particular problem. I have about 4 years left on this one and am hoping that the replacement will have better technology.
My top half is 100% dependent on the pacemaker and my bottom half is 60% dependent.
I'll make do with what I have. I'm pleased to be here and do what I am able to do - just would like to do it as well as I used to.

Peace,
Richan

Concept 2

by dtread - 2008-05-03 06:05:47

TonyM, I have a Medtronic Adapta ADDR01 pacemaker and use a Concept 2 with no problems. Nothing different from when I use other cardio equipment such as a treadmill or elliptical or when I ride my bicycle. I have noticed that my heart rate will decrease a few beats per minute a couple of minutes into exercise, but I believe that this is just my body adjusting to the exercise load, is independent of which type of exercise equipment I'm using, and is not related to the pacemaker. Then the heart rate gradually increases as the workout continues or as the load is increased. However, my pacemaker is set to kick in only if my heart is beating too slowly, so my experience may not be relevant to your situation. -Dan

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