Glittre-ADL tests in three laps as an alternative to the five laps test

The Glittre-ADL test is a comprehensive test to evaluate functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The primary aim was to validate the Glittre-ADL test with and without the backpack performed in three laps as an alternative to five laps in people with COPD.

Forty-eight participants with mild to severe COPD (mean ± SD age: 71 ± 7 years; FEV₁: 46 ± 17 %predicted) were recruited and performed two 6-min walk tests (visit 1); two Glittre-ADL tests with backpack (visit 2), and the Glittre-ADL test with and without the backpack, in random order (visit 3).

The Glittre-ADL tests were performed in five laps and symptoms, heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded for three and five laps. The Glittre-ADL test performed in three laps provoked the same oxygen desaturation [mean ± SD oxygen saturation (SpO₂): 90 ± 6 vs 90 ± 6, p = 0.249] and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) [RPE legs: 2.91 ± 2.23 vs 3.08 ± 2.56, p = 0.380; RPE arms: 1.91 ± 1.77 vs 2.16 ± 1.92, p = 0.306] to the Glittre-ADL test performed in five laps for both Glittre with the backpack and without the backpack SpO₂ [mean ± SD: 90 ± 6 vs 90 ± 7, p = 0.249], and RPE [legs: 3.02 ± 2.28 vs 3.25 ± 2.37, p = 0.380; arms: 2.13 ± 1.91 vs 2.03 ± 1.84, p = 0.306]. The heart rate and dyspnoea were significantly lower for both Glittre-ADL tests performed in three laps.

The 3-lap Glittre-ADL test may be a more practical alternative to the 5-lap test, while still remaining a good test of functional capacity for activities of daily living.