Use of the interval work capacity test in the evaluation of severely disabled patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION IN ORDER to evaluate the physical condition of the student, soldier, athlete or Olympian, we have at our disposal many tests elaborated upon in different laboratories around the world. The most common are the: Balke, Bergman, Bruce, Harvard Step, ‘Hop’, Letunov, Lian, Lorenz, Martinet, Master, Orange, Ruffier, Ten-Second, Schellong, Schneider Short-Step, Taylor Pack and Tuttle Tests. To load the body with a predetermined quantity of work, these investigators used a variety of machines which forced the subjects to work at either submaximal or maximal work levels. Machines such as treadmills, bicycle and hand ergometers, along with tasks like bench stepping at various levels, knee bends and running in place are commonly employed. It appears obvious that in performing these tests, the subject must be able-bodied and possess basic strength and endurance. A very disabled patient, severely affected by disease or injury, one with a low physical condition, poor strength and endurance, hemiplegia, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, neuromuscular disease, amputations, or old age would not be able to run the treadmill, step high steps, perform knee bends or cycle the ergometer in the sitting position. In the process of reconditioning our patients, we are using the interval training method to increase their physical condition. To evaluate the patient’s condition at the beginning of the reconditioning program and to study the effect of such programs, we must have some test applicable to all our patients, regardless of their disability. Of the above-mentioned tests, none seemed appropriate in the hospital setting. We were forced to design a test which would satisfy our needs in the process of reconditioning severely disabled patients.