A 6-minute adaptation of the wheelchair propulsion test to assess and estimate aerobic fitness in young wheelchair users with spina bifida: criterion validity and test–retest reliability

To determine the validity and reliability of an adapted 6-minute wheelchair propulsion test, referred here as the 6 m-WPT, to assess aerobic fitness in SBw. A secondary aim was to develop a prediction model for oxygen uptake (VO2peak) derived from this adapted test. This cross-sectional observational study included a test–retest design. Twenty-four SBw (median age 10.0 [10.0–12.4] years) completed the arm-crank cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the 10-metre Shuttle Ride Test (10 m-SRT), and the 6 m-WPT to examine the 6 m-WPT validity. For reliability analysis, 50% of SBw performed the 6 m-WPT twice. Thirteen SBw were included in the development of the prediction model. Only the respiratory exchange ratio between the CPET and the 6 m-WPT, and the distance between the 10 m-SRT and the ACPT, were significantly different (p r = 0.55–0.89). Excellent to good reliability (ICC = 0.75 to > 0.90) and agreement were found for the test and retest. The 6 m-WPT distance and patient body mass predicted 72% of VO2peak. The 6 m-WPT is a valid and reliable test for assessing aerobic fitness in SBw. The 6 m-WPT distance and patient body mass may be used to estimate VO2peak. The 12-minute wheelchair propulsion test was adapted into a 6-minute version (6m-WPT) to provide a less demanding and more dynamic field test for most wheelchair-using patients with spina bifida.The adapted 6 m-WPT demonstrated adequate validity and reliability, making it an effective tool for assessing aerobic fitness in wheelchair users with spina bifida.The distance covered in the adapted 6m-WPT, together with the participant’s body mass, predicted 72% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), supporting its applicability as a practical and feasible test for routine clinical use. The 12-minute wheelchair propulsion test was adapted into a 6-minute version (6m-WPT) to provide a less demanding and more dynamic field test for most wheelchair-using patients with spina bifida. The adapted 6 m-WPT demonstrated adequate validity and reliability, making it an effective tool for assessing aerobic fitness in wheelchair users with spina bifida. The distance covered in the adapted 6m-WPT, together with the participant’s body mass, predicted 72% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), supporting its applicability as a practical and feasible test for routine clinical use.