Stair-climbing test as a physical performance tool in chronic heart failure: Association with left ventricular...

The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), which is used as the gold standard in the evaluation of exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), is not always possible to perform in clinics and field tests are preferred. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the symptom-limited stair climbing test (SLSCT) in patients with CHF.

Thirty-one patients (mean age: 65.52±7.57 years) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification stage II-III CHF were included. Exercise capacity was assessed by SLSCT, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and CPET. Predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), pulmonary functions were measured.

The predicted VO_2peak calculated from SLCT was significantly higher than that of 6MWT and CPET (p<0.05). On analyzing the HR changes, SLSCT increased HR by more than 6MWT and less than CPET (p<0.05). There were significant correlations between the predicted VO_2peak values by SLSCT and LVEF, BMI (Body Mass Index), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second), and FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), predicted VO_2peak of CPET (r=0.36-0.55, p≤0.05).

SLSCT was found to be effective and easy to use in assessing exercise capacity in CHF patients. Compared with 6MWT, SLSCT gives better results in determining the clinical status and hemodynamic responses of the patients. SLSCT can be an alternative method for assessing exercise capacity in the absence of CPET.