Feasibility and Validity of a Graded One-Legged Cycle Exercise Test to Determine Peak Aerobic Capacity in Older People With a Lower-Limb Amputation

作者：Wezenberg Daphne^*; de Haan Arnold; van der Woude Lucas H; Houdijk Han

来源：Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, 2012, 92(2): 329-338.

DOI：10.2522/ptj.20110125

Background. Information concerning exercise tolerance and aerobic capacity is imperative for generating effective and safe exercise programs. However, for older people with a lower-limb amputation, a standard exercise test is not available. %26lt;br%26gt;Objective. The primary aim of the present study was to determine whether a graded 1-legged peak exercise test is feasible and provides a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis. %26lt;br%26gt;Design. This was a quasi-experimental case-control study. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods. A total of 36 older people with a lower-limb prosthesis and 21 people who were able-bodied (controls) (overall mean age=61.7 years, SD=6.1) performed a discontinuous graded 1-legged exercise test. The peak respiratory exchange ratio was used as an indicator of maximal effort. The controls performed an additional 2-legged exercise test to provide insight into differences between the testing modes. %26lt;br%26gt;Results. All participants were able to perform the exercise test. Electrocardiographic tracings and blood pressure were adequately monitored. The controls and the people with a lower-limb amputation were able to stress the cardiovascular system to a similar extent. Analyses of construct validity revealed that the peak aerobic capacity measured with the 1-legged exercise test was able to distinguish between participants on the basis of age, body mass index, and sex to a similar extent as the conventional 2-legged exercise test. %26lt;br%26gt;Limitations. The results can be generalized only to people who are able to ambulate with their prosthesis. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusions. The graded 1-legged exercise test was feasible and provided a valid assessment of peak aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance in older people walking with a lower-limb prosthesis.

• 出版日期2012-2