Wheelchair users' perceived exertion during typical mobility activities

Abstract

Study design: Each participant performed a series of wheelchair exercises equivalent in intensity to minimal functional speed (1 m s − 1 ), functional walking speed (1.3 m s − 1 ), a relatively challenging speed (1.6 m s − 1 ) and a self-selected speed. Each participant also completed a graded exercise test (GXT) to volitional exhaustion (VO 2peak ). Objectives: The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the physical capacity of wheelchair users as they undertake typical mobility activities and (2) to investigate how closely the components of a differentiated model of perceived exertion mirror wheelchair users' own perception of exertion. Methods: Eleven (eight males and three females) spinal cord-injured or congenitally impaired wheelchair-dependent participants volunteered for the study. Differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE _arm and RPE _respiration ) and oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) and heart rate were recorded during each exercise. Results: The mean comfortable speed at which the participants propelled their own wheelchairs on the wheelchair ergometer was 1.1 ± 0.2 m s − 1 . Speeds of 1 m s − 1 and 1.3 m s − 1 are typical of everyday functional propulsion. The corresponding RPE_ respiration and RPE_ arm ranged from 7 to 13 on the Borg scale; the %VO 2peak measured in these trials ranged from 37 to 80% VO 2peak. For propulsion intensities used in the present study-low, moderate, high and graded exercise intensity-no difference could be observed between RPE _respiration and RPE _arm . There were no significant differences between RPE _arm and RPE _respiration at the termination of the GXT. Conclusion: The current study showed potential for the use of RPE to assess and monitor daily wheelchair propulsion intensity in individuals with paraplegia.

Effects of an Upper-Body Training Program Involving Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Arm Cranking on Peak Handcycling Performance and Wheelchair Propulsion Efficiency in Able-Bodied Men

“…In the present study, 3 propulsion speeds were included and wheelchair propulsion efficiency was determined for all three speeds, as described in our previous study (5). We adopted a propulsion speed protocol that demonstrated 54%-64% V O2peak and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) of 7-13 (38). RPE scores were obtained using a 15-point Borg scale of perceived exertion, where 6 represents 'extremely light' and 20 represents 'extremely hard'(3).…”

“…The RPE scores were reported immediately after each trial by nodding when the experimenter was pointing to their RPE. CS and 125% of CS were selected to represent typical of everyday functional propulsion (38). The speed of 145% of CS was used to represent a relatively challenging speed (34,38).…”

“…CS and 125% of CS were selected to represent typical of everyday functional propulsion (38). The speed of 145% of CS was used to represent a relatively challenging speed (34,38). A 4-minute familiarization period was included to allow the subject to become accustomed to the set speeds (CS, 125% and 145% of CS) to be employed during the 4-minute test period on the motor-driven treadmill (Saturn, HP-Cosmos, Nussdorf, Germany, 1.0 x 2.7 m).…”

Investigating the test-retest reliability of Illinois Agility Test for wheelchair users

“…Moreover, the starting angle is an important factor when adjusting the wheelchair axle for the stability of the wheelchair, and preventing secondary injuries [ 30 ]. The factors reported in this paper are therefore both clinically and technically informative and we observed that the comfortable speed when manoeuvring with a wheelchair was 0.85 m/s which is considerably lower than 1.1 m/s [ 1 , 31 ] or 1.4 to 1.5 m/s (equal to 83.4 to 90.7 m/min) [ 32 ] which is the comfortable speed that has been reported before for performing straight-line wheelchair propulsion. Table 4 is also particularly useful as it displays valuable push parameters when performing IAT.…”

“…Other clinical or practical implications were also provided, such as the average speed of wheelchair manoeuvring which was 0.85, about 57% to77% of the average speed of SLP wheelchair propulsion reported elsewhere [ 1 , 31 , 32 ].…”