Validation of Duke Activity Status Index questionnaire to determine functional capacity in young healthy nonexercising individuals

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to correlate maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) obtained from subjective measure using Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) scale with objective assessment of aerobic capacity measured by VO2 max during submaximal exercise testing in young healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight young healthy nonexercising individuals were recruited in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were made to undergo exercise testing on treadmill using modified Bruce protocol and maximal aerobic capacity was calculated. The participants were made to answer DASI questionnaire, and VO2 max was calculated using the questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant but moderate correlation (r = 0.339 and P= 0.001) found between VO2 max obtained from DASI scale and VO2 max obtained from exercise testing. CONCLUSION: The subjective functional scales (DASI) used to assess basic physical capacity have moderate ability to predict actual functional capacity as measured by VO2 max achieved by objective assessment of aerobic capacity by exercise testing in young healthy individuals.