Desenvolvimento e validação de ergômetro específico para avaliação do desempenho anaeróbio em usuários de cadeira de rodas

Abstract

Assessing anaerobic power in manual wheelchair users (MWUs) is essential for prescribing training in Paralympic sports. However, the scarcity of specific and validated ergometers for this population limits assessment accuracy, since arm crank ergometers (ACEs), although widely used, do not faithfully replicate the motor pattern of manual propulsion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate an ergometer prototype for MWUs (ERG01), comparing the physiological, neuromuscular, and metabolic responses and the mechanical performance obtained during the 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT_30) with those observed on an ACE. This was a crossover study conducted with nine wheelchair basketball and rugby athletes. Participants performed the WAnT_30 on the ERG01 and the ACE in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Mechanical performance (peak, mean, and minimum power, as well as fatigue index), electromyographic (EMG) activity of eight upper-limb muscles, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), rate–pressure product (RPP), blood lactate concentration ([Lac]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were evaluated. Peak and mean power, as well as the fatigue index, were significantly higher on the ACE (p < 0.05). Electromyographic analysis revealed greater activation of the biceps brachii and the wrist flexor and extensor groups on the ACE (p < 0.05), whereas the pectoralis major and deltoid showed greater activation on the ERG01 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the devices for HR, BP, RPP, [Lac], or RPE (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the ERG01 demonstrated partial concurrent validity. Although absolute mechanical performance parameters were lower than those observed on the ACE, possibly due to the greater specificity and biomechanical complexity of the propulsion movement, the device was able to elicit cardiovascular, metabolic, and perceptual responses equivalent to those of maximal effort. Thus, the ERG01 constitutes an ecologically valid and physiologically safe instrument for assessing anaerobic power in wheelchair athletes.