Dynamic physiological responses to the incremental shuttle walk test in adults

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the normal dynamic physiological responses to the incremental shuttle walk test might enhance the interpretation of walking performance in clinical settings. Objective: To assess dynamic physiological responses to the incremental shuttle walk test and its predictors in healthy adults. Methods:We assessed the simultaneous rates of changes of Δoxygen uptake/Δwalking velocity (ΔVO 2 / ΔWV), Δheart rate/Δoxygen uptake (ΔHR/ΔVO 2 ), Δventilation/Δcarbon dioxide production (ΔVE/ΔVCO 2 ), and Δtidal volume/Δlinearized ventilation (ΔVT/ΔlnVE) during the incremental shuttle walk test in 100 men and women older than 40 years. Fat and lean body masses (bioimpedance) were also evaluated. Results: We found that the dynamic relationships were not sex-dependent. Participants aged ≥ 70 presented declines in ΔVO 2 /ΔWV slope compared to those aged 40-49 (215 ± 69 vs. 288 ± 84 mL.min-