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

Al-Rahamneh HQ, Eston RG. 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.ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of predicting peak oxygen consumption (Vo2peak) 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).DesignEach 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).SettingUniversities' laboratories.ParticipantsAble-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.InterventionNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresPrediction of Vo2peak by extrapolating submaximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2) and RPE values to RPE 20 on the Borg 6 to 20 RPE scale.ResultsThis study showed a very strong linear relationship between RPE and V̇o2 during the GXT and the ramp test for able-bodied persons (R2≥.95 and R2≥.96, respectively) and persons with paraplegia (R2≥.96 and R2≥.95, respectively). There was no significant difference between measured and predicted Vo2peak 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 Vo2peak from RPEs before and including RPE 15 and 17 during the ramp exercise test (P>.05).ConclusionThe GXT provided acceptable predictions of Vo2peak for persons with paraplegia, and the ramp test provided acceptable predictions of Vo2peak for able-bodied persons.