Exercise Intensity and Borg’s Scale as Self-Monitoring Tools in Wheelchair Test for Soldiers with Post-traumatic Lower Limb Injury

Abstract

Background: Soldiers recovering from lower limb injury must maintain their endurance to return to duty. Wheelchair is commonly used for exercising during the recovery process to maintain muscular and cardiorespiratory endurance. Aim of the study is to assess heart rate (HR) or exercise intensity and Borg’s scale as self-monitoring tools in wheelchair exercise for soldiers. Methods: Design of the study is cross-sectional internal comparison study. One hundred and four healthy, well-trained male normal soldiers (NS) performed 12 minutes tests: (1) running, (2) wheeling a sports wheelchair. Fifty injured soldiers (IS) performed 12 minutes wheeling test. HR and distance were measured using a smartwatch. The HR was then used as a measurement for exercise intensity. Borg’s perceived score of effort, dyspnea, and fatigue was obtained by conducting interviews. Result: There is no significant difference in the characteristics of NS and IS, thus the subjects in both groups are comparable. Distance and intensity values were significantly lower in the wheeling test than in the running test (P<0.05). During the running test, all subjects could reach their maximum level of intensity, whereas, during the wheeling test, both NS and IS subjects reached the moderate-vigorous level of intensity. The Borg’s scale showed a significant difference in dyspnea and fatigue scores between running and wheeling (P<0.05). In the NS group, an interesting phenomenon emerged, there was a difference between the onset of dyspnea and fatigue. Dyspnea occured prior to leg fatigue during the running test. On the other hand, when they performed wheeling test, dyspnoe occurs later and is not even felt, instead arm fatigue will appears fist. Conclusion: Counting of HR for exercise intensity, Borg’s scale (dyspnea and fatigue) can be a convenient alternative for self-monitoring wheeling exercise. These two tools are meant to help assessing safety and goals of exercise.