6 Minute Propulsion Test Sensitivity to Increased Aerobic Capacity

• 6 Minute Push Test [ Time Frame: Visits 1-4 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Subjects will be prepared by putting a flexible mask over the mouth and nose. Heart rate during testing will be monitored by either three electrodes on the chest or by a monitor strapped around the chest. Heart rate and oxygen consumption during each 6MPT will be measured. Participants will be instructed to propel as far as possible on a 30m loop marked at 3m intervals, with 15m between pylons, and two 180 degree turns. Distance traveled in 6 minutes (m) will be computed by multiplying the number of full laps completed by 15m and adding the distance traveled in the last lap.
  
  

The 6 minute walk test is a widely used assessment of aerobic capacity, function, and functional change in the ambulatory population. A similar clinical and research outcome instrument that is responsive to changes in aerobic capacity and function are lacking for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). A 6 minute push test, adapted from the 6 minute walk test may fill the void. The primary aim of this project is to assess if distance traveled in 6 minutes of wheelchair propulsion changes after an increase in aerobic capacity. We hypothesize that participants will push farther in 6 minutes after their aerobic capacity increases. The secondary aim is to explore the correlation between 6MPT distance and handicap, depression, wheelchair satisfaction, and self-reported avoidance of environmental features. We hypothesize increasing 6MPTdistance will be correlated with decreasing depression, decreasing handicap, decreasing self-reported avoidance of environmental features, and increasing wheelchair satisfaction. This is a low risk, high benefit study.