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 .
Prescription of Walking Exercise Intensity from the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test in People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Objective This study determined the intensity of walking exercise prescribed from 70 % of peak speed achieved during the incremental shuttle walk test ( ISWT ) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and whether a steady-state response was achieved when exercising at this intensity . Design Each participant performed lung function tests , an incremental cycle test , two ISWTs , and a 10-min continuous walking exercise at 70 % peak ISWT speed . Oxygen consumption ( V˙O2 ) was collected using a portable system ( Cosmed K4b2 , Rome , Italy ) . The V˙O2 from the 10-min walking exercise was compared with V˙O2peak from the better ISWT as a measure of walking exercise intensity . Results Thirty-four participants completed the study .  The mean intensity achieved during the 10-min walking exercise was 76 % ( 11 % ) V˙O2peak . Steady-state V˙O2 was achieved by minute 5 in the 10-min walking exercise . Conclusions Prescription of walking exercise at 70 % of the peak ISWT speed provided an intensity appropriate for achieving physiologic training responses
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 .