VISTA 2021: Evaluation of a test protocol to measure the wheelchair-specific isometric force, anaerobic and aerobic capacity on a novel roller ergometer

    Activiteit: Academic presentationAcademic

    Description

    Purpose: To evaluate whether a test protocol with standardized, yet individualized resistance settings leads to valid handrim wheelchair Wingate and graded exercise tests (GXT) in healthy novices. Methods: Twenty (10M/10F) able-bodied individuals performed -in a fixed sequence- an isometric strength test, sprint test, Wingate test and GXT on a computer-controlled wheelchair ergometer. Based on earlier established relations, the individual’s isometric strength outcome was used to estimate the Wingate result (P30est), from which an effective individual Wingate resistance was derived. The subsequently measured Wingate test outcome (P30meas) was used to estimate the GXT outcome (POpeakest) and to scale the individual GXT resistance steps. Estimated outcomes were compared with measured outcomes. The Wingate test protocol was considered valid when peak velocity < 3m·s-1. The GXT protocol was considered valid when test duration was between 8-12min. Results: The P30est did not differ from the P30meas and one participant did not have a valid Wingate test. The POpeakest was 10% higher than the POpeakmeas and six participants did not have a valid GXT. Conclusion: The isometric strength test can be used to individually scale the test protocol for the Wingate test in able-bodied individuals. The Wingate outcome scaled the protocol for the GXT less accurate, resulting in shorter than desired test durations. The participants mainly ended the GXT because of local fatigue in their arms, not cardiorespiratory fatigue what could be due to the lack of wheelchair propulsion experience. Future research should evaluate this standardized, yet individualized test protocol in an (athletic) wheelchair-dependent population.
    Periode16-dec.-2021
    Evenementstitel10th VISTA conference
    EvenementstypeConference
    LocatieLeuven, BelgiumToon op kaart
    Mate van erkenningInternational