Reliability of a wheelchair transfer test to determine the maximal aerobic capacity of a 26 year old wheelchair tennis player with arthrogryposis

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the reliability of a maximal aerobic capacity transfer test performed on an individual confined to a wheelchair living with arthrogryposis. Methods: A 26 year-old, world-ranked wheelchair quad tennis player with arthrogryposis underwent 4 identical multi-stage wheelchair transfer tests. The first 3 being 3 days apart and the 4th 10 weeks later, to measure maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). The individual performed transfers between chairs at an increasing tempo until exhaustion. HR max and plateau of VO2 were used as indices of metabolic stress at the end of the VO2max test. Results: Data from Test 1 and Test 2 (17.8 and 22.1 ml·kg-1·min-1) shows an increase in aerobic capacity between tests by 19%. Test 2, 3, and 4 (22.1, 23.0, 21.8 ml·kg-1·min-1) elicited a mean difference of 3.3%. HR max was consistent throughout the 4 tests (181 bpm, 179 bpm, 179 bpm, and 181 bpm respectively). Conclusions: These data suggest that arthrogryposis patients with limited upper limb mobility can safely perform a maximal aerobic capacity test by means of transferring. A familiarization test is necessary for a reliable assessment of maximal aerobic capacity.