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An incremental multistage field test (MFT) for wheelchair users was developed to evaluate physical fitness and predict peak oxygen consumption (VO2). Using auditory feedback, the participants (n = 37) were directed to wheel around an octagonal course, increasing their velocity every minute until exhaustion. Wheelchair velocity and metabolic parameters were recorded with the use of a speedometer and a portable spirometer system. The average number of exercise levels performed (MFT score) was 9.17 +/- 5.81, resulting in a peak heart rate (HR) of 99.0 +/- 13.9% of the theoretical maximum. A test-retest analysis (n = 10) showed that the MFT was reliable regarding MFT score, peak VO2, and peak HR reached. Stepwise multiple regression based on individual, wheelchair, propulsion technique, and physiological parameters revealed that the MFT score was the best and only predictor of peak VO2 (mL/min/kg) (= 18.03 + 0.78 MFT score, r2 = 0.59). The MFT assesses wheelchair mobility and estimates peak VO2 encountered during the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A platform of a new type was designed. By that means, the equilibrium of one individual can be evaluated. The platform is coupled with two electronics circuits. The first one records the oscillations of the platform using an A/D converter. The second one allows the man on the platform to watch on a standard TV set the position of the platform. A white square moves according to the motion of the platform.

The electrical activity of the rectus femoris has been analysed in nine subjects during the course of a supramaximal run performed until exhaustion. The integrated electromyogram and the median frequency do not change significantly as a function of time.

Lloyd's equation (Lloyd, 1967 b) has been applied to the calculation of record time in the 1 500 meters foot race from VO2 max. Twenty-eight healthy male subjects participated in this investigation. Record times decrease with increasing VO2 max. The theoretical curve plotted from Lloyd's equation is consistent with this trend. Moreover, the relationship between calculated record times (TRc) and measured record times (TRm) is highly significant (TRc = 74.3 + 0.7 TRm; r = 0.883; P less than 0.001). These results validate Lloyd's equation and hypothesis.

In normal man, the EMG changes in forearm muscles holding a tension of 30% maximal voluntary strength for 5 minutes are: (1) an increase of integrated EMG, (2) a slight decrease of the median frequency of the EMG power spectrum. These changes are largely reduced with age.