Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the best test performance and feasibility using a Graded
Arm Cranking Test vs a Graded Wheelchair Propulsion Test in young people with
spina bifida who use a wheelchair, and to determine the reliability of the best
test. DESIGN: Validity and reliability study. SUBJECTS: Young people with spina
bifida who use a wheelchair. METHODS: Physiological responses were measured
during a Graded Arm Cranking Test and a Graded Wheelchair Propulsion Test using a
heart rate monitor and calibrated mobile gas analysis system (Cortex Metamax).
For validity, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) were
compared using paired t-tests. For reliability, the intra-class correlation
coefficients, standard error of measurement, and standard detectable change were
calculated. RESULTS:
VO2peak and HRpeak were higher during wheelchair propulsion
compared with arm cranking (23.1 vs 19.5 ml/kg/min, p = 0.11; 165 vs 150
beats/min, p < 0.05). Reliability of wheelchair propulsion showed high
intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for both VO2peak (ICC = 0.93) and
HRpeak (ICC = 0.90). CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows higher HRpeak and a
tendency to higher VO2peak in young people with spina bifida who are using a
wheelchair when tested during wheelchair propulsion compared with arm cranking.
Wheelchair propulsion showed good reliability. We recommend performing a wheelchair propulsion test for aerobic fitness testing in this population.

Langue : ANGLAIS