INITIAL CLINICAL-EVALUATION OF A WHEELCHAIR ERGOMETER FOR DIAGNOSTIC EXERCISE TESTING - A TECHNICAL NOTE

The purpose of this initial study was to evaluate a new wheelchair erg ometer (WCE) and exercise test protocol for the detection of coronary artery disease in men with lower limb disabilities. Forty-nine patient s (63 +/- 9 yr) completed WCE tests without complications. Peak heart rate was 84 +/- 15% (mean +/- SD) of age-predicted maximum and peak do uble product was 223 +/- 62 x 10(2). The specified target heart rate ( greater than or equal to 80% age-predicted maximal) or a positive resu lt was achieved in 76% of tests. Fourteen tests were rated positive, 2 1 as negative and 14 as nondiagnostic for exercise-induced ischemia. I n 18 patients who underwent coronary angiography, the predictive value was 100% (10/10) for a positive, and 50% (2/4) for a negative WCE tes t result. These results suggest that WCE is a viable initial diagnosti c option for some persons who cannot adequately perform treadmill or c ycle ergometry exercise.