Reliability and Validity of the Six-Minute Arm Test for the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Fitness in People With Spinal Cord Injury

Hol AT, Eng JJ, Miller WC, Sproule S, Krassioukov AV. Reliability and validity of the six-minute arm test for the evaluation of cardiovascular fitness in people with spinal cord injury.ObjectivesTo design a submaximal arm ergometry test (six-minute arm test [6-MAT]), for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to determine the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of this test.DesignProspective, exploratory, methodologic study. To determine test-retest reliability, subjects completed the 6-MAT on 2 days, separated by 1 week. Validity was determined by comparing 6-MAT results with peak oxygen consumption (Vo2peak).SettingTertiary rehabilitation center.ParticipantsThirty subjects with SCI (mean age, 36.3y; 83% male).InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresSubjects were evaluated on the 6-MAT and a Vo2peak test.ResultsAll subjects were able to complete the 6-MAT. Test-retest reliability of steady-state oxygen consumption (V̇o2) and heart rate during the 6-MAT were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], .81; 95% confidence interval [CI], .58–.92; ICC=.90; 95% CI, .75–.96, respectively). The correlation between Vo2peak and 6-MAT V̇o2 was excellent (r=.92) and the correlations between Vo2peak and 6-MAT heart rate (r=.63) and Vo2peak and 6-MAT power output (r=.73) were good.ConclusionsThis study showed that the 6-MAT has acceptable values for test-retest reliability and validity. The 6-MAT should be further tested for responsiveness to enhance its use as a clinical tool.