The WAnT assesses muscle power. It involves a 30 second maximal effort trial on a leg or arm ergometer.

Number of items: N/a

Procedure/Administration: The WAnT requires the use of an arm ergometer to apply consistent resistance. The ergometer is linked to a computer with specific software to calculate peak power based on resistance and speed (the highest average power output at any given 5 sec period) and mean power (average power output over a 30 sec trial). The individual “free wheels” with no resistance for 3-5 minutes, after which they increase the cadence to 100 rev/min. The resistance load is then applied (3.5% body weight) and the subject pedals as fast as they can for 30 seconds, followed by a 1-2 minute cool down without resistance.

How scored: N/a

Interpretability: The higher the outcome measures (peak and mean power), the greater strength the individual exhibits. 

Acceptability: N/a

Languages: N/a

Usability: The test is relatively easy and inexpensive to administer with the appropriate equipment; however, the initial expenditure is significant.

Time to administer: 8 minutes

Time to score: N/a

Training required: Minimal

Availability: N/a

Equipment required: Arm ergometer, computer and software.

Summary:

• The WAnT is the only standardized test to monitor upper extremity strength and power. Most assessments look at aerobic function rather than anaerobic tasks. This test has been shown to be valid and reliable across a wide range of able bodied and disabled individuals, including those with paraplegia. It is also a well established protocol that has been used in many populations so comparisons are possible.
• Arm WAnT has been used in persons with paraplegia to compare to performance of upper limb anaerobic tasks such as transferring in and out of the car and 26m wheelchair sprints.

Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O= Inter-observer; Intra-O= Intra-observer; SS= Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• Ayalon A, Inbar O, Bar-Or O. Relationships among measurements of explosive strength and anaerobic power. In: Nelson RC, Morehouse CA. (ed). International Series on Sport Science 1: Biomechanics IV. University park press, Baltimore, MD, 1974, p 527-532.
• Bar-Or O, Inbar O, Dotan R. Proficiency, speed and endurance test for the wheelchair-bound. In: Simri U. (ed). Motor Learning in Physical Education and Sports. Wingate Institute, Natanya, Israel,1976: p 310-318.
• Bar-Or O, Dotan R, Inbar O. A 30 second all out ergometric test – its reliability and validity for anaerobic capacity. Israeli J Med Sci 1977;13:326.
• Bar-Or, Inbar O. Relationships among anaerobic capacity, sprint and middle distance running of school children. In: Shephard RJ, Lavelle H. (ed). Physical Fitness Assessment. Charles C Thomas, Springfield, IL,1978: p 142-147.
• Hawley JA, Williams MM, Vickovic MM, Handcock PJ. Muscle power predicts freestyle swimming performance. Br J Sports Med 1992;26:151-155.
• Jacobs P, Mahoney E, Johnson B. Reliability of wingate anaerobic testing in persons with complete paraplegia. J Spinal Cord Med 2003;26:141-144.
• Jacobs PL, Johnson B, Somarriba GA, Carter AB. Reliability of upper extremity anaerobic power assessment in persons with tetraplegia. J Spinal Cord Med 2005;28:109-113.
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