Normative values of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in Urban Indian Male Population in age group of 18-75 years : A cross-sectional study.

Introduction Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease with extra pulmonary effects, primarily marked by progressive non reversible airflow limitation and abnormal inflammatory response to harmful particles. In India, its prevalence is about 5 percent in males and 2.7 percent in females above 30 years, with a male predominance. One of the early challenges in COPD is dyspnea during upper limb activities like bathing or dressing, as unsupported arm exercises demand more oxygen and cause greater fatigue. This is due to reduced muscle mass, increased ventilatory load, and diaphragm inefficiency. The Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) is a symptom limited, incremental test to assess peak upper limb exercise capacity in individuals with COPD. It involves daily life like movements such as lifting, pushing, or reaching, making it a good tool to assess functional endurance. Establishing normative values for UULEX in urban Indian males aged 18–75 years will provide benchmarks for rehabilitation strategies and clinical assessment.

Aim -  To establish normative values for Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Testing in urban Indian males aged 18–75 years.

Objectives -  Primary Objective

1. To determine normative values for Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Testing in urban Indian males aged 18–75 years.

Secondary Objectives

1. To compare values of UULEX between different age groups.
2. To compare UULEX values among different body mass index categories.

Study Design-Cross sectional study

Sample Size - 331

Study Duration - 6 months

Tools and Materials Used -

1. Chair without arm support
2. Blood pressure machine
3. Pulse oximeter
4. Wooden barbell weights 0.2 kg, 0.5 kg, 1 kg, 1.5 kg, 2 kg
5. Stop watch or timer
6. Borg scale
7. Banner
8. Metronome app

Inclusion Criteria -

1. Urban male population
2. Age group 18–75 years

Exclusion Criteria -

1. Individual with history of smoking
2. Individual with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological conditions
3. Individual with orthopedic conditions affecting upper limbs or recent upper limb surgery
4. Individuals engaged in regular exercise programs such as athletes and sports persons

Methodology -  Participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria and willing to participate will be recruited. Written informed consent will be taken. The test technique will be explained in simple terms. Demographic details such as name, age, height, weight, and BMI will be recorded.

Demographic Assessment -

1. Age, height, weight, BMI
2. Baseline vitals: respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, Borg’s rate of perceived exertion

Warm up - Two minutes using 0.2 kg bar at level 1

Assessment Protocol -

1. Start with 0.5 kg bar at level 1
2. Progress through levels 1 to 8 with metronome guidance
3. Increase weight gradually up to 2 kg
4. Continue until subject fatigue or voluntary cessation

Post Exercise Vitals - Respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, Borg’s RPE

Outcome Measure - Total time in seconds taken to complete the test