Current data confirm that the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT are valid , reliable and responsive to change with some interventions .
However , results are sensitive to small changes in methodology .
Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity , assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases .
In recent years , there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test ( 6MWT ) , and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests ( ISWT and ESWT , respectively ) .
The aim of this document is to describe the st and ard operating procedures for the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT , which can be consistently employed by clinicians and research ers .
Water-based exercise in COPD with physical comorbidities: a randomised controlled trial
L and -based exercise is often difficult for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) who have coexisting obesity or musculoskeletal or neurological conditions . This r and omised controlled trial aim ed to determine the effectiveness of water-based exercise training in improving exercise capacity and quality of life compared to l and -based exercise training and control ( no exercise ) in people with COPD and physical comorbidities . Participants referred to pulmonary rehabilitation were r and omly allocated to a water-based exercise , l and -based exercise or the control group . The two exercise groups trained for 8 weeks , completing three sessions per week . 45 out of 53 participants ( mean±sd age 72±9 years ; forced expiratory volume in 1 s 59±15 % predicted ) completed the study . Compared to controls , water-based exercise training  significantly increased 6-min walking distance , incremental and endurance shuttle walk distances , and improved Chronic Respiratory Disease Question naire ( CRDQ ) dyspnoea and fatigue . Compared to l and -based exercise training , water-based exercise training significantly increased incremental shuttle walk distance ( mean difference 39 m , 95 % CI 5–72 m ) , endurance shuttle walk distance ( mean difference 228 m , 95 % CI 19–438 m ) and improved CRDQ fatigue  . Water-based exercise training was significantly more effective than l and -based exercise training and control in increasing peak and endurance exercise capacity and improving aspects of quality of life in people with COPD and physical comorbidities
Current data confirm that the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT are valid , reliable and responsive to change with some interventions .
However , results are sensitive to small changes in methodology .
Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity , assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases .
In recent years , there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test ( 6MWT ) , and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests ( ISWT and ESWT , respectively ) .
The aim of this document is to describe the st and ard operating procedures for the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT , which can be consistently employed by clinicians and research ers .