Development of a standardized protocol to measure the (an)aerobic capacity on a roller ergometer among wheelchair athletes

To evaluate and update about previous regression equations to derive standardized and individualized resistance settings for wheelchair-specific anaerobic and aerobic capacity tests in wheelchair athletes. An isometric strength test, a sprint test, a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), and an aerobic graded exercise test (GXT) were performed by 43 wheelchair athletes on a computerized roller ergometer. Using previously developed regression equations, measured strength predicted anaerobic power and determined the individual's WAnT resistance. Subsequently, measured anaerobic power predicted aerobic power and determined the individual's GXT resistances. The WAnT was considered valid when peak rim velocity stayed below 3 m·s-1 and the GXT when the test duration was between 8 and 12 min. After testing, individual test results were used to construct new regression equations to improve predictions for anaerobic and aerobic power. The strength test turned out to be nonstatic for the five strongest athletes. Consequently, their WAnT resistance was underestimated, resulting in the highest peak rim velocities. The GXT had durations below 8 min for seven athletes. The sprint test was feasible for every athlete and showed a better prediction for anaerobic power (R2 = 0.84). The updated regression equation to predict aerobic power from anaerobic power resulted in an R2 of 0.78. For future testing in wheelchair athletes, it is advised to use the newly developed athlete-specific regression equations to predict (an) aerobic power and to set adequate WAnT and GXT resistances. These standardized and individualized settings will lead to interathlete and intra-athlete comparable measures, used for athlete monitoring or to set training guidelines. Summary The current study revised test protocols to measure the wheelchair-specific anaerobic and aerobic capacity in a standardized manner and tailored to individual characteristics. The revised test protocols provide athletes and coaches with interathlete and intra-athlete comparable measurements of their anaerobic and aerobic capacity. The newly developed athlete-specific regression equations accurately predict anaerobic power (R2 = 0.84) and aerobic power (R2 = 0.78) and should be used in the future to set appropriate resistances for Wingate and graded exercise tests. These outcome measures support performance monitoring, training optimization, and wheelchair configuration adjustments, all aimed at understanding and —ultimately—improve wheelchair sport performance.
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Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:sports for the handicapped biological and medical sciences
Tagging:Monitoring
Published in:European Journal of Sport Science
Language:English
Published: 2025
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12275
Volume:25
Issue:4
Pages:e12275
Document types:article
Level:advanced