Relationship between 2-minute step test, anthropometric measures and habitual physical activity in sedentary individuals

Abstract

Objective: To correlate the 2-minute step test (2MST) with anthropometric variables and habitual physical activity.
 Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Sixty young adult participants of both sexes were classified into three groups with 20 participants each according to their body mass index (BMI): eutrophic, with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2; overweight, with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2; and obese type I, with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m2. In addition to personal and clinical data, we collected height, weight, BMI, waist and neck circumference measurements. The Baecke Questionnaire (BQ) and 2-minute step test (2MST) were used to measure habitual physical activity and functional capacity, respectively.
 Results: There was no difference between groups (p > 0.05) for the 2MST and BQ. There was no significant correlation between 2MST, anthropometric variables and habitual physical activity (p > 0.05, r = 0.005 to 0.248). Regarding the accuracy of 2MST in differentiating non-obese from obese subjects, there was insufficient accuracy, with an area under the curve of 0.54.
 Conclusion: 2MST does not relate to body mass index, abdominal and neck circumference, or habitual physical activity.