The purpose of this study is to test a low cost, non-invasive, wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensor, previously validated for able-bodied athletes as a rehabilitation aid for war-fighters with lower extremity limb loss. This sensor can record real-time physiologic data that relates to total fitness capacity and exertion levels and may help develop individualized programs on a per-patient basis. The uniqueness of this NIRS measurement system is that it provides real-time muscular oxygenation, dehydration, and iron status during whole-body exercise, as well as training-induced adaptations. Currently, no technology like this has been tested in an amputee population. Successfully validating this technology in a wounded warrior population would provide vital information regarding tissue perfusion after injury and new opportunities for improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
These sensors utilize NIRS to evaluate oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, total oxygenation index and total blood flow. This is done by bouncing infrared light off of chromatophores (located within red blood cells), which is then refracted off of the cells in the capillary beds to the topical sensor.
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Single Stage Treadmill Test
The single stage treadmill test is a valid and easily performed submaximal test that estimates the VO2max of healthy adults aged 20-59 years. The test involves a 4 minute warm up at 0% grade at a self-selected walking speed that elicits a heart rate within 50-70% of the individual's age-predicted maximum heart rate.
Time frame: Single Study Visit (Study consists of only one visit)
6 Minute Walk Test
The test measures the distance that an individual can walk on a flat, hard surface in a period of 6 minutes. It evaluates the global and integrated responses of all the systems involved during exercise, including the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, systemic circulation, peripheral circulation, blood, neuromuscular units, and muscle metabolism.
Time frame: Single Study Visit (Study consists of only one visit)
The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE)
The RPE scale measures feelings of effort, strain, discomfort and/or fatigue experienced during both aerobic and resistance training. It is based on the physical sensations a person experiences during physical activity, including increased heart rate, increased respiration or breathing rate, increased sweating, and muscle fatigue.
Time frame: Single Study Visit (Study consists of only one visit)
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