Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
08:04
Using a Split-belt Treadmill to Evaluate Generalization of Human Locomotor Adaptation
Published on: August 23, 2017
Exploring adaptations to the modified shuttle walking test.
Kate Woolf-May1, Steve Meadows
1Department of Sport Science, Tourism and Leisure, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, UK.
BMJ Open
|June 25, 2013
Summary
The 10-meter modified shuttle walking test (MSWT) without cones is recommended for post-myocardial infarction (MI) males, as it reduces perceived exertion and risk of functional impairment. This finding supports the no-cones protocol for cardiac rehabilitation patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Exercise Physiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- The 10-meter modified shuttle walking test (MSWT) is a standard functional capacity assessment for older adults and cardiac rehabilitation patients.
- Maneuvering around cones in the MSWT can be challenging for some individuals, prompting investigation into alternative protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the 10-meter modified shuttle walking test (MSWT) with and without cones in post-myocardial infarction (MI) males and non-cardiac male controls.
- To explore differences in physiological responses (VO2 peak, heart rate, RPE) and protocol preference between the two MSWT variations and participant groups.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 20 post-myocardial infarction (MI) males and 20 non-cardiac male controls.
- Participants completed the MSWT both with and without cones, while expired air, heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured.
- Protocol preference was recorded, and statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and regression analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in VO2 peak or distance ambulated between the MSWT protocols or between the post-MI and control groups.
- Significant differences in VO2 trajectory, higher HR, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were observed during the MSWT with cones.
- Post-MI participants reported higher RPEs than controls, and those on beta-blockers had lower HRs; protocol preference did not differ significantly.
Conclusions:
- Post-MI individuals perceived both MSWT protocols as harder, despite similar VO2 peaks. The no-cones protocol resulted in lower RER values, indicating a reduced percentage of anaerobic threshold.
- The no-cones MSWT protocol may reduce the risk of functional impairment in post-MI patients.
- Further research is warranted, but current evidence favors the no-cones MSWT protocol for post-MI individuals in cardiac rehabilitation.
