Aerobic work capacity in elite wheelchair athletes: a cross-sectional analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To give a descriptive analysis of aerobic capacity among elite wheelchair athletes in association with various personal characteristics and sprint or anaerobic capacity.


METHODS
Sixty-eight wheelchair athletes who participated in the World Games and Championships for the Disabled were included. Parameters for aerobic capacity were evaluated in a standardized wheelchair exercise test on a computer-controlled wheelchair ergometer at the games. The ergometer setting was individually tuned according to standardized procedures.


RESULTS
Mean maximum power output was 72.2 +/- 36.7 W. Peak oxygen uptake showed similar strong variations among different subject groups. High values were seen in a group of six subjects with amputations. Results stressed that, apart from sex, functionality and training status had a strong influence on aerobic capacity. Anaerobic and aerobic capacity were strongly associated.


CONCLUSIONS
Functionality, training status, and sex are important determinants of aerobic capacity. The functional classification used at international sports events is represented in the data, and further study into the possible contribution of standardized exercise tests within the issue of classification must be considered. The use of standardized exercise tests for the evaluation of training and for rehabilitation progress must be advocated, with power output being an important outcome measure at the level of ability, whereas oxygen uptake represents outcome at the level of organ systems.
van der Woude
L H V
LH
Institute for Fundamental and Clinical Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Bouten
C
C
Veeger
H E J
HE
Gwinn
T
T
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016552:Ergometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010243:Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012016:Reference Values; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012737:Sex Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013177:Sports; D014910:Wheelchairs