Reproducibility of walking test results in chronic obstructive airways disease.

Abstract

Thirty six patients with chronic airflow obstruction were studied to examine (1) the reproducibility and order effect of repeated walking tests when performed over consecutive days or consecutive weeks; (2) the correlation between walking distance and spirometric measurements; and (3) the effect of static visual clues on performance. In study 1, where 12 patients performed 12 walks over three consecutive days, five minute walking distance increased by 33% between walks 1 and 12, half of the increase occurring after the first three walks. In study 2, where 24 patients performed 12 walks over four consecutive weeks, five minute walking distance increased by 8-5% between walks 1 and 12. A learning effect was seen over the first nine walks. Static visual clues to performance did not affect the distance walked. Spirometric measurements showed no order effect in either study. Although walking distance correlated significantly with FEV,, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow, these measurements were poor predictors of exercise performance. The learning effects seen on repeated performance of walking tests over short intervals should be considered when an individual's response to treatment is being interpreted. When walking tests are used in clinical trials a placebo group or randomised crossover design is essential. Methods SUBJECTSWe studied 36 patients meeting the Medical Research Council criteria for chronic bronchitis, all with evidence of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV,) < 70% predicted). They were being treated with either inhaled # agonists or inhaled anticholinergic drugs, and one was taking oral theophylfine. Their-mean age was 63 (range 50-75) years, 22 were male, none was atopic, and all were clinically stable. Mean (SD) FEV, was 0-75 (0-34) 1 and forced vital capacity (FVC) 1-9 (0-40) 1.

Six Minute Walk Distance and Reference Equations in Normal Healthy Subjects of Nepal

“…12,13 SMWD is also better reproduced than forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) in obstructive lung disease. [13][14][15][16] The reference values and equations available for the SMWT for several countries help predict SMWD. [8][9][10] Percent predict of observed value to the calculated value provides a basis of comparison with healthy population.…”

Análise comparativa do teste de caminhada de seis minutos em crianças e adolescentes saudáveis

“…However, to ensure that tests are reproducible, the walked distance in the second test should not be greater than 10% when compared with the first test, otherwise it is necessary to perform a third test for the appropriate reproducibility of the results 9 . In the present study, the two tests carried out in each one of the corridors were reproducible because the difference between the walked distances was lower than the values identified in the literature 4,9,24,25 . The second test performed in both corridors had a better performance, therefore it was chosen for analysis and comparison of the different lengths.…”

“…Several studies have demonstrated that this learning effect can be identified through the increase in the walked distance when two or more tests are performed, mostly due to the control of anxiety, recognition of the limits of the test and neuromuscular adaptation to the activity 4,24,25 . However, to ensure that tests are reproducible, the walked distance in the second test should not be greater than 10% when compared with the first test, otherwise it is necessary to perform a third test for the appropriate reproducibility of the results 9 .…”

Efeitos do estímulo verbal sobre o desempenho no teste de escada e ajustes cardiorrespiratórios em sujeitos saudáveis

“…Sabe-se que em diversos testes de esforço o efeito aprendizado pode melhorar o rendimento do indiví-duo 2,15,16 , daí a importância da randomização. Apesar de o tempo no TEsc com EV ser menor, não se pode descartar o efeito aprendizado, sendo interessante novos estudos com aplicação de vários TEsc com EV para se esclarecer esse efeito, semelhante ao realizado com o TC6 2,[15][16][17] .…”

“…Apesar de o tempo no TEsc com EV ser menor, não se pode descartar o efeito aprendizado, sendo interessante novos estudos com aplicação de vários TEsc com EV para se esclarecer esse efeito, semelhante ao realizado com o TC6 2,[15][16][17] . Na padronização do TC6, houve preocupação com a utilização do estímulo verbal 2 , motivado por estudos que mostraram que o estímulo verbal pode aumentar a distância percorrida em até 30 metros 3,4 e assegura máxima motivação e performance do indivíduo 2,18,19 .…”