Estimating endurance shuttle walk test speed using the six-minute walk test in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The objective of this study was to derive and validate an equation to estimate the speed for the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) using results from the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants with diagnosed COPD (n ¼ 84) performed two incremental shuttle walk tests (ISWTs) and two 6MWTs. ESWT speed was calculated from the ISWT results using the original published method. An equation was derived, which directly related six-minute walk distance (6MWD) to ESWT speed. The derived equation was validated in a different group of people with COPD (n ¼ 52). There was a strong correlation between average 6MWD and the calculated ESWT speed (r ¼ 0.88, p < 0.001). The ESWT speed (kilometre per hour) was estimated using the following equation: 0.4889 þ (0.0083 Â 6MWD). The mean difference (+limits of agreement) between ESWT speeds was calculated using the original published method and found to be 0.03 (+0.77) km/hour. When the ISWT is not the test of choice for clinicians, the 6MWT can be used to accurately estimate the speed for the ESWT.

Automated 6-Minute Walk Test Distance Measurement and Walk Characterisation using a Novel Infrared Sensor-Based Technique

“…The metronome beats between 40 and 120 bpm had successfully simulated the speed levels between 0.36 and 1.06 m/s which was demonstrated in the significant differences for the 2-minute walk distances between each metronome beat level. The walking speed is positively correlated to the accumulated distance (Wootton et al 2014) which confirmed that the iTMS could collect the walking performance data at different speed levels. Additionally, the speed did not influence the distances measured by any methods as reflected by the lack of significant interaction between the measuring methods and different metronome beat levels.…”

Preoperative incremental shuttle walk test for morbidity and mortality prediction in elective major colorectal surgery

“…The patients were instructed to increase their speed of walking such that they covered three shuttles (30 m) at the first level, four shuttles (40 m) at level 2, and so on. [ 6 7 ] There were 12 progressive levels altogether, making the total distance covered at the end of 12 th level 1020 m. Peripheral oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR) were monitored every minute using a portable Medline finger pulse oximeter that was light weight, gentle to touch, and easy to use. [ 6 7 ] When the patient became breathless, too exhausted, or unable to maintain the required speed, the test was terminated.…”

“…[ 6 7 ] There were 12 progressive levels altogether, making the total distance covered at the end of 12 th level 1020 m. Peripheral oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR) were monitored every minute using a portable Medline finger pulse oximeter that was light weight, gentle to touch, and easy to use. [ 6 7 ] When the patient became breathless, too exhausted, or unable to maintain the required speed, the test was terminated. [ 8 ] The recovery time, distance covered, the reason for the test having been stopped, and the Borg score that assesses the perceived exertion during activity on a scale of 6–20 were all documented.…”

Effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme of 8 weeks compared to 12 weeks duration on exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PuRe Duration): protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…The walking speed of the ESWT will be determined by a calculation taken from the participant’s walking speed during the 6MWT. 22 Participants will be asked to walk back and forth along a 10-m course until they are no longer able to keep up with the pre-determined pace. Dyspnoea and RPE will be measured pre-test and end-test, and heart rate (HR) and SpO 2 will be recorded at each minute during the test using a pulse oximeter (Onyx Vantage 9590, Nonin Medical Inc, Plymouth, Minnesota, USA).…”

“…The distance will also be used in an equation to determine the participant’s starting level for the ESWT. 22 At baseline, participants will rest for at least 30 min between each walking test. The order of exercise tests at baseline will be two 6MWTs followed by two ESWTs.…”