Reference values for the six-minute pegboard and ring test in healthy adults in Brazil

Abstract

Objective:To determine reference values for the six-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT) in healthy adults in Brazil, correlating the results with arm length, circumference of the upper arm/forearm of the dominant arm, and the level of physical activity. Methods:The participants (all volunteers) performed two 6PBRTs, 30 min apart. They were instructed to move as many rings as possible in six minutes. The best test result was selected for data analysis. Results:The sample comprised 104 individuals, all over 30 years of age. Reference values were reported by age bracket. We found that age correlated with 6PBRT results. The number of rings moved was higher in the 30- to 39-year age group than in the > 80-year age group (430.25 ± 77.00 vs. 265.00 ± 65.75), and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). The 6PBRT results showed a weak, positive correlation with the level of physical activity (r = 0.358; p < 0.05) but did not correlate significantly with any other variable studied. Conclusions:In this study, we were able to determine reference values for the 6PBRT in healthy adults in Brazil. There was a correlation between 6PBRT results and age.

Reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise test in healthy adults in Brazil

“…The UULEX test requires manual dexterity, motor coordination, and strength. According to the literature, manual dexterity and motor coordination are not associated with gender, (28) which indicates that strength may be responsible for the differences found in the present study. Men have greater muscle mass and a lower fat percentage and, consequently, more strength.…”

“…Younger individuals had better test results. Lima et al, (28) in a study of 104 healthy individuals over 30 years of age, presented reference values for another test that assesses arm endurance and reported that age was the sole determinant of better performance. Another study assessed arm functional capacity in adults and elderly individuals and showed a negative association between age and test performance.…”

Validity and Reliability of the 6-Minute Pegboard Ring Test in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

“…We preferred to use the same scoring system as described by the first study of the 6PBRT in the patients with COPD (11). Therefore, the norm values could be transformed as 192, 202, and 183, respectively (10,24,25). Due to the reduced functional capacity in the patients with PH, decreased upper extremity function is expected compared to healthy individuals.…”

“…Many activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, hygiene, and vocational tasks, are impaired (8,9). This activity limitation is related to many activities of daily living involving unsupported upper extremity movements, which lead to dyspnoea and fatigue in patients with the cardiopulmonary disease (10). Therefore, determination of strength, endurance, and exercise capacity of the upper extremities emerge as an essential issue in the management of PH.…”

Reference values for assessing the arms: are we seeing a light at the end of the tunnel?

“…Pursuing this track, Lima et al, 13 in a very elegant and well-designed study, conducted 6PBRTs on 104 healthy subjects in order to establish, for the first time, reference values for this test in a healthy population. In the study, the subject distribution by age decade (from age 30 to 80-plus) is good and there is an appropriate male-to-female ratio, which causes the proposed equation to have good external validity, allowing it to be generalized to any gender and age group.…”