Development of a Standardized Protocol to Measure the (An)aerobic Capacity on a Roller Ergometer Among Wheelchair Athletes

Abstract

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.