BACKGROUND: Injuries are common within the military population. The home exercise rehabilitation program is essential during the recovery process, as it increases strength and endurance. Data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence’s Rehabilitation Center shows that in 2018 there were 6640 disabled soldiers aged 23 to 58, with 75% having below the lumbar region injuries. Wheelchair is one of the most commonly used assistive device to promote mobility and also great for exercising to maintain muscular and cardiorespiratory endurance.

AIM: Aim of this study was to compare the distance and intensity between wheeling and running among healthy soldiers using heart rate and Borg scale (fatigue and dyspnea).

DESIGN: Cross sectional internal comparisson study. SETTING: Military Health and Education Center.

POPULATION: One hundred and nine (n=109) healthy well-trained male soldiers were enrolled, divided into three age groups.

METHODS: All subjects performed two tests: (1) running, and (2) wheeling a sport wheelchair. Each test was performed 12 minutes and was conducted at least 72 hours apart. Subjects wore a smartwatch to measure heart rate and distance. Borg scale scores were obtained by conducting interviews immediately after the subjects completed both tests.

RESULT: There is a significant difference in intensity between running and wheeling test (P<0.05). During the running test, all subjects could reach their maximum intensity, whereas during the wheeling test subjects only reached moderate-high intensity 74.7% (19-29 y.o), 78.5% (30-39 y.o), 82% (39-40 y.o). The distance covered in the running test is also significantly greater than wheeling test (P<0.05). The Borg dyspnea score in running= 5 (heavy), while wheeling = 2 (light) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Distance and intensity values were significantly lower in the wheeling test than in the running test. The wheeling test reached a moderate-vigorous level of intensity. Dyspnea precedes leg fatigue during running test, whereas arm fatigue precedes dyspnea during wheeling test, therefore subjects tend to reduce their wheeling effort before reaching maximum intensity.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The heart rate and Borg scale can be used for selfmonitoring to ensure patients' safety in a home exercise rehabilitation program.

KEYWORDS: Heart rate, Borg scale, Wheelchair exercise, Endurance