Criterion validity for three of these measures was established in NSCLC but not the reliability or responsiveness .
Background The measurement properties of instruments used to assess functional capacity , physical activity and muscle strength in participants with non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) have not been systematic ally review ed .
Method Objectives : To identify outcome measures used to assess these outcomes in participants with NSCLC ; and to evaluate , synthesis e and compare the measurement properties of the outcome measures identified .
Stair Climbing in the Functional Assessment of Lung Resection Candidates
Background : Algorithms for the pre-operative evaluation of lung resection c and i date s with impaired lung function invariably include maximum oxygen uptake ( v̇O2MAX ) as a critical parameter of functional reserves , with a v̇O2MAX ≧20 ml/kg/min generally considered sufficient for pneumonectomy . Stair climbing is a low-cost alternative to assess exercise capacity . Objectives : As stair climbing is not st and ardised , we aim ed to compare the altitude reached and the speed of ascent with v̇O2MAX measured by cycle ergometry . Methods : We prospect ively enrolled 44 pulmonary resection c and i date s ( mean age : 47.6 ± 12.5 years ) with an FEV1 < 80 % . Patients were asked to climb as high and as fast as they could , to a maximum elevation of 20 m. The altitude reached and the average speed of ascent were compared to v̇O2MAX . Results : Forty-three patients reached a 20-metre elevation  . Thirteen of them , as well as the patient who did not reach this height , had a v̇O2MAX < 20 ml/kg/min . There was a linear correlation between speed of ascent and v̇O2MAX/kg ( R2 = 0.67 ) , but not between altitude and v̇O2MAX/kg . All 24 patients with a speed ≧15 m/min had a v̇O2MAX ≧20 ml/kg/min . Thirty-nine of 40 patients with a speed ≧12 m/min had a v̇O2MAX ≧15 ml/kg/min . Conclusions : The average speed of ascent  during stair climbing was an accurate semiquantitative predictor of v̇O2MAX/kg , whereas altitude was not . We were able to identify potential cut-off values for lobectomy or pneumonectomy . Pending validation with clinical endpoints , stair climbing may replace formal exercise testing at much lower costs in a large proportion of lung resection c and i date
Criterion validity for three of these measures was established in NSCLC but not the reliability or responsiveness .
Background The measurement properties of instruments used to assess functional capacity , physical activity and muscle strength in participants with non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) have not been systematic ally review ed .
Method Objectives : To identify outcome measures used to assess these outcomes in participants with NSCLC ; and to evaluate , synthesis e and compare the measurement properties of the outcome measures identified .