Comparison of the physiological responses induced by different pediatric exercise field tests in children

This study aimed to compare the physiological responses induced by the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the pediatric Glittre activities of daily living test for children (TGlittre-P) in healthy children.

This was an analytical observational cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent an anthropometric evaluation, pulmonary function test, TGlittre-P, 6MWT, and MSWT using a portable gas analyzer. Each test was conducted on the same day, and a maximum period of 15 days was considered for completion of the 3 days of data collection.

Overall, 24 subjects were included (mean age, 9.78 ± 1.27 years). The peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak ) during the MSWT (1409.94 ± 285.13 mL/kg/min) was significantly higher than that during the TGlittre-P (982.19 ± 205.95 mL/kg/min) and 6MWT (982.85 ± 257.09 mL/kg/min) (P < .001 for both). There was no difference in VO_2peak  as well as most of the physiological variables between the 6MWT and TGlittre-P (P = .987). The MSWT VO_2peak correlated with the 6MWT VO_2peak (r = 0.67; P = .00) and the TGlittre-P VO_2peak (r = 0.43; P = .04). The VO_2peak values achieved in the 6MWT and TGlittre-P were also correlated (r = 0.68; P = .00). Unlike in the MSWT, in which the physiological measurements show an incremental response, the VO₂ , heart rate, minute ventilation, and respiratory exchange ratio were stabilized in the TGlittre-P and 6MWT.

The TGlittre-P and 6MWT showed similar physiological responses and required less metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular overload than the MSWT. The performance measures and VO_2peak values obtained in the three tests were correlated.