Prediction of peak oxygen consumption from the ratings of perceived exertion during a graded exercise test and ramp exercise test in able-bodied participants and paraplegic persons.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of predicting peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)peak) from a graded exercise test (GXT) and a ramp exercise test during arm exercise in able-bodied persons and persons with paraplegia using ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs).

DESIGN

Each participant performed a GXT (started at 30W and increased by 15W every 2min) and a ramp exercise test (started at 0W and increased by 15W·min(-1)).

SETTING

Universities' laboratories.

PARTICIPANTS

Able-bodied men (n=13; mean ± SD, 27.2±4.3y) and men with paraplegia (n=12; 31.1±5.7y). Six of the persons with paraplegia had flaccid paralysis as a result of poliomyelitis infection. The other 6 persons had complete spinal cord injuries with neurologic levels at and below T6.

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prediction of Vo(2)peak by extrapolating submaximal oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) and RPE values to RPE 20 on the Borg 6 to 20 RPE scale.

RESULTS

This study showed a very strong linear relationship between RPE and Vo(2) during the GXT and the ramp test for able-bodied persons (R(2)≥.95 and R(2)≥.96, respectively) and persons with paraplegia (R(2)≥.96 and R(2)≥.95, respectively). There was no significant difference between measured and predicted Vo(2)peak from RPEs before and including RPE 13, 15, and 17 during the GXT for persons with paraplegia (P>.05). For the able-bodied participants, there was no significant difference between measured and predicted Vo(2)peak from RPEs before and including RPE 15 and 17 during the ramp exercise test (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

The GXT provided acceptable predictions of Vo(2)peak for persons with paraplegia, and the ramp test provided acceptable predictions of Vo(2)peak for able-bodied persons.