Article

Earlier studies have demonstrated low peak oxygen uptake
((.)Vo(2)peak) in children with spina bifida. Low peak heart rate and low peak
respiratory exchange ratio in these studies raised questions regarding the true
maximal character of (.)Vo(2)peak values obtained with treadmill testing.
The aim of this study was to determine whether the Vo(2)peak measured
during an incremental treadmill test is a true reflection of the maximum oxygen
uptake ((.)Vo(2)max) in children who have spina bifida and are ambulatory.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used for this study. METHODS: Twenty
children who had spina bifida and were ambulatory participated. The (.)Vo(2)peak
was measured during a graded treadmill exercise test. The validity of
(.)Vo(2)peak measurements was evaluated by use of previously described guidelines
for maximum exercise testing in children who are healthy, as well as differences
between Vo(2)peak and (.)Vo(2) during a supramaximal protocol
((.)Vo(2)supramaximal). RESULTS: The average values for (.)Vo(2)peak and
normalized (.)Vo(2)peak were, respectively, 1.23 L/min (SD=0.6) and 34.1
mL/kg/min (SD=8.3). Fifteen children met at least 2 of the 3 previously described
criteria; one child failed to meet any criteria. Although there were no
significant differences between (.)Vo(2)peak and Vo(2)supramaximal, 5 children
did show improvement during supramaximal testing. LIMITATIONS: These results
apply to children who have spina bifida and are at least community ambulatory.
CONCLUSIONS: The (.)Vo(2)peak measured during an incremental treadmill test seems
to reflect the true (.)Vo(2)max in children who have spina bifida and are
ambulatory, validating the use of a treadmill test for these children. When
confirmation of maximal effort is needed, the addition of supramaximal testing of
children with disability is an easy and well-tolerated method.

Langue : ANGLAIS