A 6-minute adaptation of the wheelchair propulsion test to assess and estimate aerobic fitness in young wheelchair users with spina bifida: criterion validity and test–retest reliability

Purpose To determine the validity and reliability of an adapted 6-minute wheelchair propulsion test, referred here as the 6 m-WPT, to assess aerobic fitness in SBw. A secondary aim was to develop a prediction model for oxygen uptake (VO2peak) derived from this adapted test.Materials and methods This cross-sectional observational study included a test–retest design. Twenty-four SBw (median age 10.0 [10.0–12.4] years) completed the arm-crank cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the 10-metre Shuttle Ride Test (10 m-SRT), and the 6 m-WPT to examine the 6 m-WPT validity. For reliability analysis, 50% of SBw performed the 6 m-WPT twice. Thirteen SBw were included in the development of the prediction model.Results Only the respiratory exchange ratio between the CPET and the 6 m-WPT, and the distance between the 10 m-SRT and the ACPT, were significantly different (p < 0.05). Correlations among the tests were moderate to strong (r = 0.55–0.89). Excellent to good reliability (ICC = 0.75 to > 0.90) and agreement were found for the test and retest. The 6 m-WPT distance and patient body mass predicted 72% of VO2peak.Conclusion The 6 m-WPT is a valid and reliable test for assessing aerobic fitness in SBw. The 6 m-WPT distance and patient body mass may be used to estimate VO2peak.