Abstract
The aim of the present study was to verify the basic principles underlying the prediction of V̇O2 peak from a submaximal exercise test performed by paraplegics on a wheelchair ergometer and thus to propose regression equations of V̇O2 peak prediction. Forty-six paraplegic subjects (mean age = 33.2 ± 8.7 years) with a traumatic lesion (T1–L3) performed a graded exercise test on a wheelchair ergometer until exhaustion. The test started with an initial workload of 0 watts, with an increment of 6 watts per 2 minutes. Measurements included power output (W), heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (V̇O2) throughout the test. Linear relationships were observed between V̇O2 and W (V̇O2 = 0.79 + 0.02 W, r = 0.80, SEE = 0.22 lmin-1) as well as between %V̇O2 max and % maximal heart rate (%V̇O2 max = 8.7 + 0.83 %HR, r = 0.83 SEE = 10.5%). Combination of the two equations for estimating V̇O2 peak led to a linear relationship between the estimated and measured V̇O2 peak. Nonetheless, the strength and accuracy of the prediction were low (r = 0.49, SEE = 0.29 lmin-1). Participation in aerobic exercise, body mass and lean body mass, introduced as correction factors in the regression equation, significantly improved the strength and the accuracy of the prediction (r = 0.85, SEE = 0.29 lmin-1). These results showed that the relationship between physiological variables (V̇O2 peak -W, %V̇O2 peak - % max HR) during wheelchair exercise in paraplegics are linear but, in some instances, much variability is observed, suggesting a need for further research in order to improve the accuracy of V̇O2 peak prediction.
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Paré, G., Noreau, L. & Simard, C. Prediction of maximal aerobic power from a submaximal exercise test performed by paraplegics on a wheelchair ergometer. Spinal Cord 31, 584–592 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1993.94
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1993.94