Theresa M Crytzer1,2,3,4,5,6, Mariam Keramati1,2,3,4,5,6, Steven J Anthony1,2,3,4,5,6, Yu-Ting Cheng1,2,3,4,5,6, Robert J Robertson1,2,3,4,5,6, Brad E Dicianno1,2,3,4,5,6. 1. Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System; and Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Bakery Square, 6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. 2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA. 3. Endocrine and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA. 4. Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. 5. Center for Exercise and Health-Fitness Research, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. 6. Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System; Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh; and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: People with spina bifida (SB) face personal and environmental barriers to exercise that contribute to physical inactivity, obesity, risk of cardiovascular disease, and poor aerobic fitness. The WHEEL rating of perceived exertion (RPE) Scale was validated in people with SB to monitor exercise intensity. However, the psycho-physiological link between RPE and ventilatory breakpoint (Vpt), the group-normalized perceptual response, has not been determined and would provide a starting point for aerobic exercise in this cohort. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives were to determine the group-normalized RPE equivalent to Vpt based on WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings and to develop a regression model to predict Borg Scale (conditional metric) from WHEEL Scale (criterion metric). The secondary objective was to create a table of interchangeable values between WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE for people with SB performing a load incremental stress test. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine participants with SB. METHODS: Participants completed a load incremented arm ergometer exercise stress test. WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings were recorded the last 15 seconds of each 1-minute test phase. OUTCOME MEASURES: WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings, metabolic measures (eg, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production). Determined Vpt via plots of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production against time. RESULTS: Nineteen of 29 participants achieved Vpt (Group A). The mean ± standard deviation peak oxygen consumption at Vpt for Group A was 61.76 ± 16.26. The WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE at Vpt were 5.74 ± 2.58 (range 0-10) and 13.95 ± 3.50 (range 6-19), respectively. A significant linear regression model was developed (Borg Scale rating = 1.22 × WHEEL Scale rating + 7.14) and used to create a WHEEL-to-Borg Scale RPE conversion table. CONCLUSION: A significant linear regression model and table of interchangeable values was developed for participants with SB. The group-normalized RPE (WHEEL, 5.74; Borg, 13.95) can be used to prescribe and self-regulate arm ergometer exercise intensity approximating the Vpt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
BACKGROUND:People with spina bifida (SB) face personal and environmental barriers to exercise that contribute to physical inactivity, obesity, risk of cardiovascular disease, and poor aerobic fitness. The WHEEL rating of perceived exertion (RPE) Scale was validated in people with SB to monitor exercise intensity. However, the psycho-physiological link between RPE and ventilatory breakpoint (Vpt), the group-normalized perceptual response, has not been determined and would provide a starting point for aerobic exercise in this cohort. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives were to determine the group-normalized RPE equivalent to Vpt based on WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings and to develop a regression model to predict Borg Scale (conditional metric) from WHEEL Scale (criterion metric). The secondary objective was to create a table of interchangeable values between WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE for people with SB performing a load incremental stress test. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine participants with SB. METHODS:Participants completed a load incremented arm ergometer exercise stress test. WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings were recorded the last 15 seconds of each 1-minute test phase. OUTCOME MEASURES: WHEEL and Borg Scale ratings, metabolic measures (eg, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production). Determined Vpt via plots of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production against time. RESULTS: Nineteen of 29 participants achieved Vpt (Group A). The mean ± standard deviation peak oxygen consumption at Vpt for Group A was 61.76 ± 16.26. The WHEEL and Borg Scale RPE at Vpt were 5.74 ± 2.58 (range 0-10) and 13.95 ± 3.50 (range 6-19), respectively. A significant linear regression model was developed (Borg Scale rating = 1.22 × WHEEL Scale rating + 7.14) and used to create a WHEEL-to-Borg Scale RPE conversion table. CONCLUSION: A significant linear regression model and table of interchangeable values was developed for participants with SB. The group-normalized RPE (WHEEL, 5.74; Borg, 13.95) can be used to prescribe and self-regulate arm ergometer exercise intensity approximating the Vpt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.