Incremental Shuttle Walk Test to Assess and Prescribe Exercise for Subjects With Bronchiectasis: Hallway Versus...

The incremental shuttle walk test was initially developed to be carried out in a hallway (ISWT-H) but has been modified to be performed on a treadmill (ISWT-T). However, it is still unknown whether performance on ISWT-H and ISWT-T are similar in patients with bronchiectasis. In this study, we compared the performance, physiological responses, and perception of effort between the ISWT-T with a handrail and ISWT-H for subjects with bronchiectasis. We also sought to estimate and compare the prescription for training intensity with both tests.

This was a cross-sectional study in which 24 subjects with bronchiectasis were evaluated on 2 different days (24 h apart). Distance walked (m) was compared between the ISWT-H and ISWT-T. A training session was held on a treadmill at 75% of the speed obtained from both tests. The walking distance, oxygen uptake (V̇_O ), carbon dioxide production (V̇_CO ), heart rate, and ventilation (V̇_E) were measured.

There was a difference in the walking distance between the ISWT-T and ISWT-H, but physiological responses for V̇_O , V̇_CO , heart rate, and V̇_E were similar. However, the speed estimated for training was different, as were the V̇_O , V̇_CO , and heart rate.

The ISWT-T with handrail and the ISWT-H are not interchangeable in subjects with bronchiectasis. A slower speed of training intensity may occur when the test is performed in a hallway, as originally described, and this may underestimate responses to aerobic training.