Predictive Ability of the 2-Minute Step Test for Functional Fitness in Older Individuals with Hypertension

Abstract

Background: The 2-minute step test (2MST) is a simple and inexpensive functional test that measures an individual's ability to perform continuous stepping up and down on a step platform for two minutes. This study evaluated the 2MST as a tool for assessing functional fitness in older individuals with hypertension and determined the correlation between the 2MST and physical fitness tests.Methods: A total of 91 older individuals with hypertension performed physical fitness tests, including the 2MST, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), grip strength and leg strength assessments, and timed up and go test (TUG) to collectively assess their physical fitness.Results: A cutoff score of ≤60 steps in the 2MST had 87.50% sensitivity and 70.59% specificity in predicting functional exercise performance in older individuals with hypertension. Additionally, the number of steps in the 2MST was positively correlated with the distance covered in the 6MWT, isometric grip strength, and isometric leg strength and negatively correlated with the duration of the FTSST and TUG. Conclusions: A cutoff score of ≤60 steps in the 2MST predicted functional exercise performance in older individuals with hypertension with 87.50% sensitivity and 70.59% specificity and was correlated with other physical fitness tests, suggesting that the 2MST is a useful tool for assessing functional exercise performance.

Head Protection Device for Individuals at Risk for Head Injury due to Ground-Level Falls: Single Trauma Center User Experience Investigation

“…Clinical practices should target effective strategies that improve individuals’ quality of life and independence including screenings and interventions to manage injuries associated with falls [ 25 , 26 ]. Screenings that measure activities of daily living (ADLs) are essential, as the ability to perform daily tasks safely without exhaustion is a critical component of healthy aging, thus allowing older individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life [ 27 ]. Measurement of daily activities is important as these may be predictors of early admission to assisted care facilities or the need for alternative living arrangements [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Exploring the Impact of Combined Thai Yoga and Elastic Band Exercise on Physical Fitness and Exercise Capacity in Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“…Various techniques are available to assess the physical fitness and exercise capacity of elderly individuals, encompassing muscle strength testing with dynamometry (Kim et al, 2022;Parraca et al, 2022), trunk flexibility assessment (Duray et al, 2020), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (American Thoracic Society, 2002), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (American Thoracic Society & American College of Chest Physicians, 2003), and the 2-minute step test (Poncumhak et al, 2023). Additionally, the elderly population may develop chronic diseases due to organ degeneration, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).…”