Cardiorespiratory and metabolic demand of the 6-minute pegboard and ring test in healthy young adults.

Objective: To determine the cardiorespiratory and metabolic demand of the Six-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT) in healthy young adults and its association with maximal arm cycle ergometer test (arm CET).

Methods: Volunteers were randomized to performed the 6PBRT test or arm CET. The second test was performed after 48 h. Oxygen consumption (VO), heart rate (HR), dyspnea and upper limb fatigue were assessed during the tests. Demographic data, body composition, level of physical activity, arm strength and endurance were also evaluated.

Results: During 6PBRT, VO values increased from 5.8 to 11.1 mL kg.min (p < 0.001). VO HR and HR at 6PBRT were 47.2% and close to 65% respectively of those achieved during the arm CET. There was a positive correlation between the score on 6PBRT and VO and VO achieved at arm CET (r = 0.268; p = 0.003 and r = 0.247; p = 0.046 respectively). No correlation was found between the HR, HR level of physical activity or strength with 6PBRT (p > 0.05). Handgrip endurance had a positive correlation with score on 6PBRT (r = 0.237; p = 0.054). Body Mass Index, body fat and fat mass were negatively correlated with the score on 6PBRT (r = 0.301; p = 0.014, 0.329; p = 0.007 and r = 0.427; p = 0.001).

Conclusions: The 6PBRT test showed a moderate cardiorespiratory and metabolic demand in healthy individuals in comparison of arm CET. BMI, body fat and fat mass correlated with the score on 6PBRT.