Validation of a new ergometer adapted to all types of manual wheelchair

Research concerning the physiological and biomechanical parameters of wheel chair propulsion requires the use of an accurate and reproducible protocol. Although some research comparing different ergometers has been conducted, it is not easy to fulfil the requirements of the realistic simulation of pr opulsion together with the careful analysis of metabolic and biomechanical parameters of performance. The VP100H ergometer has been validated for this purpose by comparing the values of power output ((W)over dot) and force ex erted to accelerate the wheels (F) with the same measures obtained using a two-dimensional force transducer (platform). The reproducibility of the pow er was verified during a test re-test procedure. Ten sportsmen performed an incremental exercise. Maximal aerobic power (W-aer,W-max), maximum oxygen uptake ((V)over dotO(2max)), maximum heart rate (f(cmax)), %(W)over dot(aer ,max)/% (V)over dotO(2max) relationship (aV) and % (W)over dot(aer,max)/ %f (cmax) relationship (aH) were calculated. Results indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05) in VP100H versus platform measurements for F and W. Errors of measured Fand (W)over dot ranged from 0.89% to 7.56% and from 0.4 1% to 6.74%, respectively, depending upon the trunk muscles that participat e in the propulsion. This corresponded to a maximum error of 4.9 W for W. N o significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed during the test re-test procedure for (W)overdot(aer,max), (V)over dotO(2max), f(cmax), aH and aV. The coefficient of variation of these values ranged from 1.4 to 9.5, and th e correlation coefficient from 0.68 to 0.98. We conclude that the VP100H is valid for measuring (W)over dot, and F and that these values are reproduci ble (when tested 10 days later).