Analysis ofUSAWR Wheelmill VO2 Max Testing Between Classes

Abstract

PURPOSE: Little is known about how elite level training can affect the Maximum Aerobic Capacity (Max VO2) testing for all functional classifications of national wheelchair rugby athletes. The primary purpose of this study was to review existing Max VO2 data between Higher Classification (HC) and Lower Classification (LC) players on the USA Wheelchair Rugby Team (USAWR). METHODS: Data was collected during the April training camp (camp1) and August training camp (camp2) at Lakeshore Foundation during the 2017 season. All athletes followed an individualized high intensity workout plan between camp1 and camp2. Athletes (n = 12) had to perform a graded VO2 max test on a unique Wheelmill ergometer during both camps to be included. Variables tested for significance included absolute VO2 (aVO2), relative VO2 (rVO2), Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER), Heart Rate (HR), Ventilatory Equivalent (VE), and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). International Wheelchair Rugby Federation classifications are set by functional ability starting at 0.5 and progress up in 0.5 increments to a max level of 3.5. For this study, classifications were grouped into those whose roles were primarily as a blocker (Class 0.5 – 1.5) and those whose roles were primarily ball handlers (class 2.0 – 3.5). RESULTS: Means for the whole team were tested for significant change between camp1 and camp2, and then between HC and LC using 2-tailed T-test (95% confidence interval). Despite whole team mean aVO2 and mean rVO2 was not significantly changed, whole team mean VE significantly increased from camp1 to camp2 (64.92 L/min + 9.5601, p=0.0146), as did RER (1.0750 + 0.0636, p=0.0387). Significant rVO2 Max changes occurred among LC athletes (17.9300 mL/kg/min + 1.1172, p=0.0246) and with aVO2 Max (1.5000 L/min + 0.0990, p=0.0346), but no significant changes occurred among HC group. CONCLUSION: Analysis results showed significant improvements in maximum achieved VE and RER variables between camp1 and camp2 in elite wheelchair rugby athletes. When separated into LC and HC groups, only LC showed significant improvements in rVO2 and aVO2. This could indicate that elite USAWR training methods are more effectively improving performance in athletes with lower classifications than in their higher classification counterparts.