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Age-specific normal values for the incremental shuttle walk test in a healthy British population
Samantha Louise Harrison1, Neil J Greening, Linzy Houchen-Wolloff
1Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Group, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, United Kingdom. samantha.harrison@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention
|August 21, 2013
Summary
This study established normal age-specific values for the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) in healthy British adults. Predictive equations using clinical factors could not accurately determine ISWT performance, highlighting the test
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Gerontology
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Background:
- The Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) is a key measure of functional capacity and prognosis in chronic diseases.
- Aging naturally impairs exercise performance, necessitating age-specific reference values.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal, age-specific reference values for the ISWT in a healthy British population.
- To investigate if additional clinical variables can improve the accuracy of a predictive equation for ISWT performance.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 152 healthy British subjects aged 40-90 years.
- Collected anthropometric, demographic, lung function (FEV1), and quadriceps strength data.
- Measured ISWT distance and utilized accelerometry and the Duke Activity Status Index.
Main Results:
- Established age-specific ISWT normal values, showing decreased performance with increasing age.
- For example, individuals aged 40-49 years achieved a mean ISWT of 824m, while those 70+ years achieved 633m.
- A predictive equation incorporating age, BMI, FEV1, quadriceps strength, and Duke Activity Status Index explained 50.4% of ISWT performance variation.
Conclusions:
- Age-specific normal values for the ISWT have been successfully determined for a healthy British population.
- Despite incorporating relevant clinical variables, a regression equation cannot accurately predict ISWT exercise capacity.
