title: Initial clinical evaluation of a wheelchair ergometer for diagnostic exercise testing: a technical note.
abstract: The purpose of this initial study was to evaluate a new wheelchair ergometer (WCE) and exercise test protocol for the detection of coronary artery disease in men with lower limb disabilities. Forty-nine patients (63 +/- 9 yr) completed WCE tests without complications. Peak heart rate was 84 +/- 15% (mean +/- SD) of age-predicted maximum and peak double product was 223 +/- 62 x 10(2). The specified target heart rate (> or = 80% age-predicted maximal) or a positive result was achieved in 76% of tests. Fourteen tests were rated positive, 21 as negative and 14 as nondiagnostic for exercise-induced ischemia. In 18 patients who underwent coronary angiography, the predictive value was 100% (10/10) for a positive, and 50% (2/4) for a negative WCE test result. These results suggest that WCE is a viable initial diagnostic option for some persons who cannot adequately perform treadmill or cycle ergometry exercise.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141.
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Langbein
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Maki
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sibley
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fehr
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D014910:Wheelchairs