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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(4): 414-424, 2015. Exercise training is crucial to improve cardiovascular health and quality of life in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). A key limitation is the lack of validated submaximal tests to evaluate and predict cardiovascular fitness in this population. The purpose of this study was to validate a submaximal test to predict maximal oxygen consumption for individuals with SCI. Ten able-bodied participants and two individuals with SCI completed a rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-based submaximal oxygen consumption test and a graded maximal oxygen consumption test on a NuStep T4 recumbent stepper. Prediction of VO2max from an RPE-based protocol is feasible and can produce reliable predicted VO2max values in the able bodied population. This study is a proof of concept to the implementation of a submaximal test protocol using a total body recumbent stepper to predict VO2max in able-bodied individuals. Additionally, this study shows evidence of feasibility of performing this test in SCI individuals.

VO2 manuscript 02.10.15.docx (1005 kB)
work version for originality check

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