Normative Values of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in the Urban Indian Female Population in the Age group of 18–75 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study

Normative Values of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in the Urban Indian Female Population in the Age Group of 18–75 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Need of the Study:

This study is crucial to develop normative values for the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) that are specific to the Indian population, as current data primarily originate from non-Indian populations and do not reflect India’s distinctive demographic, cultural, and occupational diversity. Upper limb endurance is essential for completing daily tasks, notably in a nation with various physical demands across urban and rural areas. This is particularly important for individuals with conditions that influence upper limb endurance, such as COPD, where unsupported arm movements often result in considerable dyspnea and fatigue. The lack of population-specific normative values restricts the effective application of UULEX in assessing functional limitations and devising rehabilitation strategies for these individuals in Indian clinical contexts. This study aims to offer culturally and demographically relevant benchmarks, allowing clinicians to precisely assess upper limb endurance, for instance, in patients with conditions like COPD.

Aim:

To establish normative values for Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in Urban Indian Females in the Age group of 18–75 years

Objectives:

Primary Objective: - To determine normative values for the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in the Urban Indian Female Population in the age group of 18–75 years. Secondary Objectives: - To compare values of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) between different age groups. - To compare Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) values amongst different body mass index (BMI) categories.

Materials and Methodology

Study Details:

• Study Setting – D.Y. Patil deemed to be University, School of Physiotherapy, Navi Mumbai
• Study Design – Cross-sectional study
• Study Duration – 4 months
• Study Participants/Subjects—Healthy female population
• Sample Size—331
• Sampling Procedure – Not explicitly mentioned, but likely convenience sampling

Inclusion Criteria

1. Healthy female population
2. Age group of 18–75 years

Exclusion Criteria

1. Individuals with a history of smoking
2. Individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological conditions
3. Individuals with orthopedic conditions affecting the upper limbs and/or any recent upper limb surgery
4. Individuals involved in regular exercise programs (e.g., athletes and sportspeople)

 Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome measure in this study is the time taken to complete the UULEX test, based on the participant stopping the activity due to upper limb fatigue, as assessed using the Borg scale.

Plan of the study:

1. Approval for conducting the study will be obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) for Biomedical and Health Research at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College & Hospital, Navi Mumbai.

2. The study will include healthy urban Indian females aged 18-75 years.

3. Participants will be selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

4. Subjects willing to participate will be asked to fill out a consent form, confirming their willingness and approval to participate in the study.

5. Participants will be informed about the UULEX test, including its purpose and significance.

6. Demographic data such as age and BMI will be recorded before proceeding with the test.

7. Pre-test measurements, including Respiratory Rate (RR), Blood Pressure (BP), Heart Rate (HR), and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) will be recorded.

8. The patient will be seated on a chair with arms unsupported, facing the wall where the chart will be placed.

9. A two-minute warm-up will be performed using a 0.2 kg bar at level 1.

10. The test will begin with a 0.5 kg bar at level 1, following a metronome pace of 30 beats per minute for one minute.

11. At the end of the minute, the subject will progress to level 2 while maintaining the same weight.

12. This will be continued incrementally up to level 8.

13. After reaching level 8, the subject will restart from level 1 with an increased bar weight of 1 kg (an additional 500 g).

14. The same procedure will be followed, with the weight increasing progressively in 500 g increments until a maximum of 2 kg is reached.

15. The test will conclude when the subject is unable to continue due to fatigue, which will be measured using the Borg Scale.

16. The total time taken to complete the test will be recorded in minutes/seconds.

17. Post-test measurements, including Respiratory Rate (RR), Blood Pressure (BP), Heart Rate (HR), and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), will be recorded.

18.  The collected data will be categorized according to age, i.e., young adulthood, middle adulthood and old adulthood

19. Statistical analysis will be performed to obtain normative values.

20. The results will be analyzed, and time taken will be compared with age and BMI.