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 .
Age-Specific Normal Values for the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test in a Healthy British Population
PURPOSE : The Incremental Shuttle Walk Test ( ISWT ) is an important functional and prognostic marker in chronic disease . Aging has a detrimental effect on exercise performance . The objective of this study was to produce normal age-specific values for the ISWT in a healthy British population and to explore whether additional variables improve the accuracy of a predictive equation . METHODS : Healthy subjects ( N = 152 ) , aged 40 to 90 years , were recruited . Data collection occurred over 2 study visits . Anthropometric and demographic data were collected , and lung function and quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction were measured . An accelerometer was worn for 2 consecutive days at home . The Duke Activity Status Index was completed , and the greatest distance from 2 ISWTs was recorded . RESULTS : One hundred forty subjects ( 56 men ) with mean age ( SD ) of 59.4 ( 11.0 ) years completed 2 ISWTs . Forced expiratory volume in 1 second ( FEV1 ) was 109.1 % ( 14.56 % ) predicted and ISWT distance was 737 m ( 183 m ) . Age-specific normal values for the ISWT were observed : mean ( lower limit of normal)—40 to 49 years , 824 m ( 765 m ) ; 50 to 59 years , 788 m ( 730 m ) ; 60 to 69 years , 699 m ( 649 m ) ; and 70 years and older , 633 m ( 562 m ) . A predictive equation was developed from 114 subjects . Age , body mass index , FEV1 , quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction , and Duke Activity Status Index contributed to ISWT distance predicting 50.4 % of the variation in performance . CONCLUSION : We have developed age-specific normal values for performance on the ISWT in a healthy British population . However , even using practical , clinical ly relevant variables , it is not possible to accurately predict exercise capacity from a regression equation
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 .