ARM-CYCLE-ERGOMETER CAN BE USED FOR MEASURING PHYSICAL FITNESS

Y. Bulthuis, K.W. Drossaers Bakker , F.G. Oosterveld , M.A. Van de Laar Rheumatology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Physiotherapy, Saxion Hogeschool Enschede, Enschede, NetherlandsIntroduction: In recent years, the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis increasingly includes physical training programs to improve physical fitness and function [1]. There are many tests in which the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) is estimated to assess physical fitness [2]. The Åstrand-Rhyming test, which uses a leg-cycle-ergometer, has been shown to be a valid and reliable test to estimate the VO2 max [3]. However, using a leg-cycle-ergometer may be difficult for patients with impaired lower extremity function; the arm-cycle-ergometer might be an alternative. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the arm-cycle-ergometer for estimating VO2 max using a modified Åstrand-Rhyming test.Methods: The validity was tested in healthy volunteers, by comparing the calculated VO2 max using the arm-cycle-ergometer and leg-cycle-ergometer. The inter-observer-reliability was tested in a subgroup. The test and re-test and reliability of two different arm-cycle-ergometers were tested in a second group of healthy volunteers. All tests lasted 6 minutes during which time the rotations per minute (55-65) were held constant. During the fifth and sixth minute, a heart rate of at least 60% of the maximum heart rate was maintained. The validity was computed by calculating the correlation. Furthermore, a mathematical equation between leg- and arm-cycle-ergometers was calculated using a regression analysis. In order to compare average heart rates between the fifth and sixth minute, the arm-cycle-ergometer load was maintained constant. All data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and paired T-test and linear regression analyses.Results: In both groups fifteen volunteers were tested. One volunteer was not able to finish the re-test. A correlation of 0,63 was found between the arm- and leg-cycle-ergometer (p=0.12). Regression analyses showed that the equation (leg VO2 max= 0.82* arm VO2 max + 23,6) can be used to calculated the VO2 max during arm exercise and can be compared with the VO2 max during leg exercise [95% CI 0.21;1.42].The correlation between test and re-test was 0,82 (p=.000). The correlation of the inter-observer-reliability was 0,83 (p=.011). Between both arm-cycle-ergometers a correlation of 0,61 was found (p=.017).Conclusion: The arm-cycle-ergometer test for estimating VO2 max using a modified Åstrand-Rhyming test has a good validity and reliability. The calculated VO2 max using the arm-cycle-ergometer is lower than that using the leg-cycle-ergometer. However, using the equation it is valid to estimate the VO2 max with an arm-cycle-ergometer physical fitness test. Measuring physical fitness using an arm-cycle-ergometer is a good alternative in testing people with limitations of the lower extremities.References: 1. van den Ende CHM, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Munneke M and Hazes JMW. Dynamic exercise therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. British Journal of Rheumatology, 1998; 37: 677-687.2. Conditietests, Conditie, kracht en lenigheid meten met wetenschappelijk verantwoorde testmethoden. Geijsel J, Hlobil H en van Mechelen W. EVRO - Haarlem, 1995.3. Siconolfi SF, Cullinane EM, Carleton RA and Thompson PD. Assesing VO2max in epidemiologic studies: modification of the Astrand-Rhyming test. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982; 14 (5): 335-8.Citation: Ann Rheum Dis, volume 64, supplement III, year 2005, page 590Session: Orthopedics, sports medicine/soft tissue rheumatism