[en] An incremental multistage field test (MFT) for wheelchair users was developed to evaluate physical fitness and predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2). Using auditory feedback, the participants (n = 37) were directed to wheel around an octagonal course, increasing their velocity every minute until exhaustion. Wheelchair velocity and metabolic parameters were recorded with the use of a speedometer and a portable spirometer system. The average number of exercise levels performed (MFT score) was 9.17 +/- 5.81, resulting in a peak heart rate (HR) of 99.0 +/- 13.9% of the theoretical maximum. A test-retest analysis (n = 10) showed that the MFT was reliable regarding MFT score, peak VO2, and peak HR reached. Stepwise multiple regression based on individual, wheelchair, propulsion technique, and physiological parameters revealed that the MFT score was the best and only predictor of peak VO2 (mL/min/kg) (= 18.03 + 0.78 MFT score, r(2) = 0.59). The MFT assesses wheelchair mobility and estimates peak VO2 encountered during the test.
Disciplines :
Orthopedics, rehabilitation & sports medicine
Author, co-author :
Vanderthommen, Marc ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Kinésithérapie spécifique et réadaptation motrice
Francaux, M.
Colinet, Cédrik
Lehance, Cédric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la motricité > Département des sciences de la motricité
van der Woude LH, Veeger D, Rozendal RH. Ergonomics of wheelchair design: a prerequisite for optimum wheeling conditions. Adv Phys Act Q 1989;6:109-32.
Dallmeijer AJ, van der Woude LH, Hollander AP, van As HH. Physical performance during rehabilitation in persons with spinal cord injuries. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999;31(9):1330-35.
Dallmeijer AJ, van der Woude LH, Hollander PA, Angenot EL. Physical performance in persons with spinal cord injuries after discharge from rehabilitation. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999;31(8):1111-17.
Veeger HE, Hadj Yahmed M, van der Woude LH, Charpentier P. Peak oxygen uptake and maximal power output of Olympic wheelchair-dependent athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1991;23(10):1201-9.
Bhambhani YN, Burnham RS, Wheeler GD, Eriksson P, Holland LJ, Steadward RD. Physiological correlates of simulated wheelchair racing in trained quadriplegics. Can J Appl Physiol 1995;20(1):65-77.
Theisen D, Francaux M, Fayt A, Sturbois X. A new procedure to determine external power output during handrim wheelchair propulsion on a roller ergometer: a reliability study. Int J Sports Med 1996;17(8):564-71.
Franklin BA, Swantek KI, Grais SL, Johnstone KS, Gordon S, Timmis GC. Field test estimation of maximal oxygen consumption in wheelchair users. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1990;71(8):574-78.
Vanlandewijck YC, Daly DJ, Theisen DM. Field test evaluation of aerobic, anaerobic, and wheelchair basketball skill performances. Int J Sports Med 1999;20(8):548-54.
Vinet A, Bernard PL, Poulain M, Varray A, Le Gallais D, Micallef JP. Validation of an incremental field test for the direct assessment of peak oxygen uptake in wheelchair-dependent athletes. Spinal Cord 1996;34(5):288-93.
Leger L, Boucher R. An indirect continuous running multistage field test: the Universite de Montreal track test. Can J Appl Sport Sci 1980;5(2):77-84.
Vinet A, Bernard PL, Ducomps C, Selchow O, Le Gallais D, Micallef JP. A field deceleration test to assess total wheelchair resistance. Int J Rehabil Res 1998;21(4):397-401.
Bland JM, Altman DG. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet 1986;1(8476):307-10.
Poulain M, Vinet A, Bernard PL, Varray A. Reproducibility of the Adapted Leger and Boucher Test for wheelchair-dependent athletes. Spinal Cord 1999;37(2):129-35.
Pare G, Noreau L, Simard C. Prediction of maximal aerobic power from a submaximal exercise test performed by paraplegics on a wheelchair ergometer. Paraplegia 1993; 31(9):584-92.
