Reliability and validity of the 6-minute arm test for the evaluation of cardiovascular fitness in individuals with spinal cord injury

Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2007 · DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2006.12.044 · Published: April 1, 2007

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to create and test a new arm exercise test, called the 6-minute arm test (6-MAT), for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The goal was to see if the test gives consistent results and if it accurately reflects a person's cardiovascular fitness. The researchers wanted a test that is inexpensive, simple to administer, and suitable for individuals with both paraplegia and tetraplegia. The 6-MAT involves 6 minutes of arm ergometry at a constant power output. The study found that the 6-MAT has acceptable test-retest reliability and validity, meaning it provides consistent results and accurately reflects cardiovascular fitness in individuals with SCI. The 6-MAT could be a useful clinical tool.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

30 subjects with SCI (mean age=36.3 years; 83% male)

Evidence Level

Prospective, exploratory, methodological study

Key Findings

1
Test-retest reliability of steady state VO2 and heart rate (HR) during the 6-MAT were excellent; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.58–0.92], and 0.90 (95%CI=0.75–0.96), respectively.
2
The correlation between VO2peak and 6-MAT VO2 was excellent (r=0.92)
3
good correlations were found between 6-MAT PO and VO2peak (r=0.73) and 6-MAT HR and VO2peak (r=0.63).

Research Summary

The study designed the 6-MAT, a submaximal arm ergometry test for individuals with SCI, and determined its test-retest reliability and concurrent validity. The 6-MAT demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability and validity, with excellent correlations between VO2peak and 6-MAT VO2. The study suggests further testing of the 6-MAT for responsiveness to enhance its use as a clinical tool.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment

The 6-MAT can be used to assess cardiovascular fitness in individuals with SCI.

Monitoring Intervention

The 6-MAT can be used to monitor the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness in individuals with SCI.

Rehabilitation Tool

The 6-MAT provides a practical and accessible method for evaluating physical fitness in rehabilitation settings.

Study Limitations

1
The sample did not include any ASIA C injuries, limiting the generalizability of the sample.
2
VO2peak classification of subjects in this study may be underestimated.
3
The proportion of subjects with injuries below T9 was small

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