Exercise Capacity Flashcards
Define exercise
Purposeful, structured activity that
involves gross muscular activity to
improve physical condition (e.g.
jogging, stretching)
Define physical activity
A holistic term that includes all
(purposeful and incidental)
muscular activity of all intensities
(e.g. walking, stairs)
Define activities of daily living
Basic independent self-care tasks
done on a daily basis that require
coordination, strength and range of
motion
What are the three tests used to evaluate exercise capacity in clinical populations?
Cardiopulmonary exercise test, six-minute walk test, incremental shuttle walk test
What is involved in a cardiopulmonary exercise test?
Uses a cycle ergometer or treadmill
Intensity is incremental
Undertaken under close clinical
supervision in a controlled
environment
ECG, ventilation, O and CO2 routinely measured
What are the outputs from a cardiopulmonary exercise test?
Peak VO2 usually the
primary outcome
ECG changes monitored
throughout
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a cardiopulmonary exercise test?
Advantages: quantifies performance in relation to metabolism. Precise and reproducible. Continuous monitoring for safety
Disadvantages: requires skilled technical support (calibration) and very expensive (initial and ongoing costs), needs dedicated space
What is involved in a six-minute walk test?
Uses a 20-30m flat course
Objective is to cover greatest distance possible in six minutes
Externally timed by assessor
Sub-maximal test
What are the outputs from a six-minute walk test?
Primary outcome is total distance walked
Secondary variables may be ‘perceived exertion’, heart rate, pulse oximetry
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a six-minute walk test to evaluate exercise capacity in clinical populations?
Advantages: patient-driven pace - speeding up and slowing down and rest OK. Cheap to deploy. Validated in many clinical populations
Disadvantages: requires a significant unobstructed course, pace is not re regulated
What is involved in an incremental shuttle walk test?
Usually a 10m circuit
Externally paced by an audio recording like a bleep test
Each minute has one extra length than the previous minute
what are the outputs of a incremental shuttle walk test?
Primary outcome is total distance walked before volitional end
Secondary variables may be ‘perceived exhaustion’/ heart rate and pulse oximetry
What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of an incremental walk test to evaluate exercise capacity in clinical populations?
Advantages: cheap to deploy, validated in many clinical populations, the external pacing helps to achieve maximum levels
Disadvantages: requires an unobstructed course, for some the incremental nature is difficult, patient can be penalised for poor pace management
