Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3452954 | Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | 2007 | 7 Pages |
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.