3-minute Step Test Research Articles

Construct validity and reliability of the 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) in individuals with low back pain

BackgroundFunctional tests are important clinical tools, since they are non-invasive methods, with simple applicability, and low cost. However, there are few tests adapted for individuals with chronic low back pain. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of the 2-Minute Step Test in individuals with chronic low back pain and to correlate the test score with measures of pain and physical activity.MethodsWe included patients aged between 18 and 45 years, of both sexes, and with low back pain. The interval between the test and retest was 7 days. We analyzed the data via intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), confidence interval at 95%, standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable change for reliability. We used the Spearman’s correlation coefficient to verify the correlation between 2-Minute Step Test and measures of pain and physical activity (Numerical Pain Scale, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire).ResultsSample is composed of 37 individuals, most of them female, with overweight and low back pain > 60 months. 2-Minute Step Test showed excellent test-retest (ICC = 0.903) and inter-rater (ICC = 0.925) reliability. Sport domain of the Baecke showed a significant correlation with the 2-Minute Step Test (rho = 0.444).Conclusion2-Minute Step Test is a reliable measure to measure the functional capacity of patients with chronic low back pain considering different times and examiners, as well as being positively correlated with sports practice.

Is the six-minute step test able to reflect the severity and symptoms based on cat score?

BackgroundThis is the first study to investigate the performance of 6MST in COPD patients divided into different symptom severity groups based on the CAT questionnaire score. ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationship between the degree symptomatology using the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) with the six- minute step test (6MST) in COPD patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which 59 patients with COPD were evaluated. The groups were stratified according to the subsequent cutoff points: CAT <10 (little impact) n= 22; CAT 11-20 (moderate impact) n=20; CAT <20 (large impact) n=17. During 6MST the individuals were instructed to go up and down a single step with a height of 20 centimeters (cm). ResultsComparing the groups in relation to performance on the 6MST, the number of climbs on the step were significantly higher in the CAT group <10 when compared to the CAT group >20, the variation in HR between rest and peak exercise (∆ HRpeak- rest) was lower in the CAT>20 group compared to the CAT<10 group and the CAT 11- 20 group. We found direct relationships between the number of ascents and descents in the 6MST vs the CAT score (r=0.35, p=0.007); and 6MST vs degree of obstruction of %FEV1 (r-0.46, p=0.002) We verified a linear regression model in which the FEV1 (L) and the CAT score influenced 29% in the performance of the 6MST. ConclusionThe COPD severity represented by the FEV1 and the CAT score are associated and influenced by 29% the performance of 6-minute step test. Our findings may have important implications for the clinical evaluation of these patients as well as for rehabilitation.

Correlates of Physical Activity among Preadolescent Filipinos

A resounding call for more contemporary research on the correlates of physical activity in low and middle-income countries has been documented over the years. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to examine the correlates of physical activity in terms of endurance, body mass index, and motivation. Study participants involved 257 students, specifically male (n=137) and female (n=120), ranging from 9 to 11 years old preadolescent Filipinos. The physical activity levels were determined by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), while the cardiorespiratory endurance was assessed by a 3-minute step test. A body mass index (BMI) was calculated and classified using the World Health Organization criteria. Both Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ) and the PAQ-C were used to measure motivation in physical activities. An interview was also conducted for data triangulation. This research yielded the following results: First, endurance (x1) had no direct positive effect on physical activity (y) (β=-.069). Second, BMI (x2) had no direct positive effect on Physical activity (y) (β=.023). Third, motivation (x3) had a direct positive effect on physical activity (y) (β=.237). Next, endurance (x1) had no direct positive effect on motivation (x3) (β=-.116). Subsequently, BMI (x2) had a direct negative effect on motivation (x3) (β =-.301). Finally, endurance (x1) had a direct positive effect on BMI (x2) (β =.515). Endurance-BMI was considered the most remarkable relationship, garnering the highest standard estimate score of .515. The results also showed that BMI (x1) positively affected endurance (x2). It suggests that higher levels of working heart rate are associated with higher BMI scores of overweight and obese Filipino preadolescents. They had a lower endurance level due to excess body weight.

Comparing Online And In-person Delivery Of An Exercise Program For Older Adults

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many exercise programs to provide participants with online delivery. Online delivery increases accessibility, but their ability to improve perceived and mental health, and functional outcomes in older adults is unknown. Therefore, there is a need to test the efficacy of online delivery compared with in person delivery in older adults. PURPOSE: To compare perceived mental health, and functional outcomes following an online exercise program offered to older adults and compare the benefits with in-person delivery. METHODS: The Zoomers on the Go program is a peer-led exercise program of 12 weeks. The program offers resistance exercise, aerobic activities, balance, and flexibility two times per week to adults aged 50 and above. The main outcome was power as measured by the 30-second chair stand test. Secondary outcomes included dropout, attendance, balance (one leg stance), cardiorespiratory fitness (2-minute step test or 6-minute walk test), perceived health (SF-36), and mental health (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items). RESULTS: The proportion of dropout was 28.1% and 11.5% in the online and the in-person group respectively (p < 0.001). A total of 74 participants (66.3 ± 7.1 years old) in the online group and 84 participants in the in-person group (67.3 ± 7.2 years old) completed the program. The attendance was 19.6 ± 4.8 sessions for the online group and 16.7 ± 2.9 sessions for the in-person group (p < 0.001) out of 24. Participants in both groups improved significantly their 30 seconds chair stand (online: 14.4 ± 2.7 to 17.0 ± 4.2 vs. in person: 14.1 ± 4.2 to 17.5 ± 5.1; all p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance without any difference between groups. However, only the in-person group improved general perceived health measured by SF-36 questionnaire. Similarly, only the in-person group significantly reduced the level of stress and depression following the program (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise program delivered online leads to greater attendance and similar improvement in physical function in older adults compared to in person delivery. However, in-person delivery might be needed to improve stress, depression symptoms, and perceived general health in older adults. Funding: Healthy Seniors Pilot Project- Public Health Agency of Canada

Impact Of Exercise Delivery Mode Under The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Comparison Of Face-to-face Versus Zoom In Patients With Diabetes And/or Hypertension

Patients were commonly referred to a face-to-face center-based exercise program by healthcare providers. With the recent restriction on social gathering under the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, online exercise program delivered through videoconferencing system (e.g., Zoom) may be a promising solution to overcome this barrier. To date, little information is known about the relative effectiveness of exercise program delivered through face-to-face versus online modes. PURPOSE:To compare the effectiveness of exercise training delivery between the face-to-face and online (Zoom) mode. METHODS:A total of 59 patients (age: 65.7 ± 6.9 yrs-old) with diabetes and/or hypertension completed a 12-week exercise program (60 minutes/session, one session/week) delivered through either a face-to-face (n = 27) or videoconferencing system (Zoom) (n = 32). Health-related physical fitness including handgrip (muscular strength), 30-second chair stand test (lower body strength), chair sit-and-reach test (lower limb flexibility), and 2-minute step test (aerobic endurance) were measured at the baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS:Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in all health-related fitness parameters (p < .05) except the 30-second chair stand test on face-to-face group. Only the 30-second chair-stand test found significant interaction (p < .001). Score of 30-second chair stand test for online group improved from 13.8 ± 0.7 reps to 18.5 ± 0.8 reps (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS:Besides traditional face-to-face exercise delivery mode, online-exercise delivery mode may be an alternative option to improve similar health related outcomes among patients with diabetes and/or hypertension, especially under restriction of social interaction such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Independent Effects Of Hypoxia And Altitude On Human Physiology

PURPOSE: Decreased fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) is often used to simulate the atmospheric partial pressure of oxygen decreases experienced during high altitude sojourns. Therefore, we aimed to independently investigate hypoxia and altitude by isolating oxygen concentration and barometric pressure. METHODS: 18 subjects completed 3 trials (sea level, hypoxia, altitude). 90-minute duration and intensity matched hypoxic stimuli were induced via decreased FiO2 or 4,200 m ascent. Relative tissue oxygenation change and cardiovascular variables were measured during rest and a 3-minute step-test. RESULTS: Muscle oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) and muscle deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb) were not different across environments during rest or exercise (p > 0.339) with alterations noted during rest to exercise transitions (p < 0.001). Resting brain O2Hb at hypoxia and altitude were lower than sea level (p < 0.012), but not different than each other (p = 0.278). Exercising brain O2Hb was lower at altitude than sea level (p = 0.007) similarly trending compared to hypoxia (p = 0.066). Exercising brain O2Hb was not different between hypoxia and sea level (p = 0.158). Brain HHb at hypoxia and altitude were higher than sea level (p < 0.001), but not different than each other (p = 0.158). Exercise HR at hypoxia (141 ± 4 beats·min-1) and altitude (141 ± 3 beats·min-1) were lower than sea level (127 ± 44 beats·min-1, p < 0.002), but not different than each other (p > 0.208). Exercise stroke volume at altitude (109.6 ± 4.1 mL) was higher than hypoxia (97.8 ± 3.3 mL) and sea level (99.8 ± 3.9 mL, p < 0.010) with no differences between hypoxia and sea level (p = 0.481). Exercise cardiac output at hypoxia (13.8 ± 0.6 L) and altitude (15.5 ± 0.7 L) were greater than sea level (12.6 ± 0.5 L, p < 0.006) with altitude greater than hypoxia (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During acute hypoxic stimuli, skeletal muscle maintains oxygenation while the brain does not. Tissue oxygenation may be mediated by environmentally driven cardiovascular compensation. FiO2 decreases may not satisfactorily simulate all physiological outcomes experienced during altitude induced barometric pressure decreases. Funding: Department of Defense United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (DOD USAMRMC: W81XWH-15-2-0075).

Compare Heart Rate Recovery and Cardiopulmonary Endurance of Badminton and Squash Player

Background: Cardiopulmonary endurance is the ability to pump blood rich with oxygen to working muscles and this oxygen during exercise works and enhance period of activity. Regular aerobic exercises and sports can enhance cardiovascular endurance. Previous work in the field of physical science reveals that physical activity manage to advance and sustain higher levels of physical as well as cardiovascular fitness. Objectives: The main objectives of study were to compare heart rate recovery in badminton and squash healthy young adult players and to compare cardiopulmonary endurance among badminton and squash players. Methodology: 20 players with the age of 20-40 years playing badminton and squash for more than a yearfrom Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex, Rawalpindi were selected for this study. Subjects performed two tests for cardiopulmonary fitness testing i.e. Rockport walk test and 3 minutes step test. Subjects then played their regular game for 10 minutes. Heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2 were measured before the start of game, immediately after play and 5 minutes after cessation of game and heart rate recovery was calculated. Independent T test and Chi square test were applied to analyze the data. Results: When comparing heart rate recovery, results showed that people who were playing regular badminton showed faster heart rate recovery as compared to those individuals who were playing squash regularly. According to results of cardiopulmonary fitness test badminton players showed better result than squash players. Conclusion: Playing regular badminton for fitness purposes showed better results in cardiovascular health and heart rate recovery than playing squash Keywords: Badminton, Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Cardiopulmonary, Endurance, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Recovery, RatePerceived Exertion.

Fitness status of visually impaired learners in the Philippines: A sequential explanatory analysis

The increased awareness of the value of physical activity by introducing sports and games in the Physical Education curriculum of special education (SPED) schools in the Philippines has been both a trend and a challenge in program planning, implementation, assessment, and professional background of teachers. To evaluate the benefits of learners’ participation in physical activity, this study, therefore, measured and evaluated the health-related physical fitness status of learners in an educational institution for the visually impaired in the Philippines. The health-related physical fitness levels of blind or braille user learners (N = 12) were measured utilizing the following standardized tests: body mass index (BMI); modified sit and reach and zipper tests (flexibility); vertical jump test (power); four-level sit-ups (core strength); and 3-minute step test (cardiorespiratory endurance). Overall results revealed that the participants’ health-related physical fitness levels were below normative standards for fitness. Interviews among the special education teachers of the institution also revealed that their minimal training on fitness testing and physical activity programming, including the scarcity of materials and equipment, emerged as common problems encountered by them as far as fitness is concerned. Given the proper training on the conduct and monitoring of physical fitness tests and the facilitation of physical activity-related programs, special education teachers will be able to address the children’s needs in physical activity, fitness, and leisure programs. The results of the study will serve as inputs toward the development of a comprehensive fitness and leisure program, especially in SPED schools.

Prognosis of the Course of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

The objective: to evaluate the prognosis of 4-year survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and concomitant obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).Subjects and Methods. 62 patients with COPD and OSAHS were enrolled in the study, they all had been diagnosed in accordance with the recommendations of GOLD (2017). The clinical and functional examination included assessment of respiratory function parameters and a 6-minute step test, a survey using the validated questionnaire of the dyspnea scale by Medical Research Council (MRC) followed by the calculation of body mass index and the BODE index.Results. Patients with COPD and concomitant OSAHS demonstrated higher intensity of dyspnea, deterioration of functional obstructive disorders, and lower exercise tolerance. The course of the disease was characterized by multiple exacerbations requiring hospitalization, 77.4% of COPD patients with OSAHS suffered from cardiovascular diseases and 95.2% were obese. Evaluation of the integral BODE index in COPD patients with OSAHS showed that only 35.5% of them had a 4-year survival rate exceeding 57%. A strong inverse correlation was established between the BODE index and the maximum desaturation rate (r = -0.78) and the moderate inverse correlation was established between the BODE index and SaO2 (r = -0.37). As a result of a 12-year follow-up (2008-2019), mortality in COPD patients with OSAHS was established in 22.2% of cases, mainly among COPD patients with severe OSAHS.

Reaction Time Based Cognitive Functions and Associated Recovery Heart Rate in Medical Student

Introduction: Physical activity is an indicator of physical function that preserve or promotes cerebral blood flow which in turn is associating with better functioning cognitive function. Cognitive functions can be assessed using reaction time. It is the ability to quick motor response to definite stimulus, while the time that elapses between the sensory stimulation and the motor activity.&#x0D; Aims: To assess the cognitive function of medical students using visual &amp; auditory reaction times in different fitness groups and to correlate values of reaction times to recovery heart rate.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 57 consenting healthy medical students age 17-30 years, underwent 3-Minutes Step Test to assess their physical fitness along with Auditory reaction time and Visual reaction time to assess their cognitive function. Based on Recovery heart rate which was calculated after 3-Minute step test. Students were categorized into four groups that is good, satisfactory, poor and very poor their Auditory reaction time and Visual reaction time T were measured for these groups.&#x0D; Results: Results showed Auditory reaction time and Visual reaction time was statistically significant when all groups of physically fitness were compared (p-0.014). When pairs of groups were compared significant differences of Auditory reaction time was found good fitness level Vs very poor fitness level in Auditory reaction time (p0.008) and significant difference of Visual reaction time was found between good fitness level Vs satisfactory fitness level in Visual reaction time (p-0.028). Comparison of many other pairs of fitness groups found to be non-significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: Good fitness level has higher cognition which can be achieved by doing physical activity to improve the fitness level.

Can aquatic exercises contribute to the improvement of the gait stereotype function in patients with Long COVID outcomes?

A variety of rehabilitation programmes can be offered to Long COVID patients, specifically physical training. Indeed 90% of these patients reports impairments of verticalization, stability and spatial orientation, making difficult exercise in the gym. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of aquatic exercise techniques as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for patients with Long COVID. The first of a two-stage program involved development of aquatic exercises technique, which was evaluated in 12 patients with impaired upright posture control before and after exercising by "Habilect" video gait analysis system. During the second phase, effectiveness and safety of aqua exercises were tested in water pool as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme conducted in 23 patients with Long COVID outcomes. Physical examination, 6-minute step test, Euro-QL-5D questionnaire, Borg scale, laser Doppler flowmetry, cardiointervalography, and spirometry were performed before and after the aquatic exercises program. After the training with aquatic exercises, indices of deviations of the main body axes of the head and the body mass centre ameliorated, as well as direction of body movement vector decreased (p<0.05). This study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in exercise tolerance in both groups, as measured by the 6-minute step test after rehabilitation. The comparison group averaged 236.7 metres [126; 380] (T=8, p=0.047) after the rehabilitation course and the intervention group averaged 233.71 metres [150; 320] (T=8.0, p=0.047). When tested with the Euro-QL-5D questionnaire, a post-treatment improvement was noted in the comparison group on the anxiety/depression subscale (3 [3;3] (T=0, p=0.043)). In the intervention group, laser Doppler flowmetry revealed a statistically significant increase in microcirculation (6.36 standard units after rehabilitation) [5.54; 8.17] (T=7.0, p=0.004), and a decrease of oxidative metabolism index of 6.89 standard units. [4.76; 6.96] (T=4.0, p=0.03). No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, the developed aquatic exercises technique seems to contribute to recovery of impaired upright posture and motor function, normalizing the walking pattern.

Associations of multicomponent exercise and aspects of physical performance with frailty trajectory in older adults

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that frailty leads to falls, institutionalization, hospitalization, and the loss of functional capacity. While numerous intervention methods aim to reverse frailty, the most effective in older adults is multicomponent exercise. Physical performance has been highlighted as a key factor in mobility, independence, and the burden of chronic disease. Several studies have demonstrated an association between physical performance and frailty; however, the relation between the two over the long term has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, the current study aims to examine how aspects of physical performance are associated with frailty in the long run for older adults in Taiwan.MethodsThis nine-month longitudinal study employed the generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling to identify measures associated with frailty trajectory. A sample of 159 community-dwelling older adults was recruited through purposive sampling in 12 community care centers in Taiwan. A quasi-experimental approach was adopted in which participants were assigned to the control group or to receive a multicomponent exercise intervention and examined sociodemographic, physical performance, and other factors at the baseline, post intervention (3 months), and follow up (6 months) levels. The multicomponent exercise program was designed based on the principles of the American College of Sports Medicine and comprised aerobic exercise, muscle-strengthening activities, balance training, and stretching exercises once per week for 2 h per session for 12 weeks.ResultsAfter intervention, we found that the multicomponent exercise group exhibited better performance in the 2-minute step test than the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding long-term effects on frailty trajectories, the study finds that age progression, being female, and longer completion time in the timed up and go test increase the probability of frailty (p < 0.05). Conversely, more steps in the 2-minute step test and undertaking the multicomponent exercise program reduced the long-term probability of frailty (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study is the first to explore the relation between indicators of physical performance and frailty trajectory among older adults in Taiwan. Furthermore, we provided support for the efficacy of the multicomponent exercise program in improving frailty status.

Assessing the Effect of Six-Weeks of Moderate Intensity Exercise Training on Cardiovascular Fitness among Young Obese Adults

Aim – To determine the effectiveness of 6 weeks of moderate intensity exercise training &amp; To provide an appropriate measure of cardiovascular fitness. The YMCA 3minute step test is based on how quickly your heart rate recovers following a short bout of exercise. Hence the purpose was to provide a submaximal measure of cardiovascular fitness after six-weeks of moderate intensity exercise training among young obese adults. Methodology - According to simple random sampling 50 participants were included in the study after screening for the inclusion criteria. Thereafter They were explained the purpose of the study and the procedure involved in the study. Informed Consent was obtained and a YMCA 3-minute step test was done. Heart rate measures were recorded at the end of the 3-min step test Pre &amp; Post intervention. Data analysis was done at the end of the study. Results – Post intervention 10 students (20%) out of 50 had good cardiovascular fitness level, 22 students (44%) had an above average cardiovascular fitness, 13 students (26%) had average fitness &amp; 5 students (10%) had below average level of cardiovascular fitness. Conclusion- This study concluded that, six weeks of moderate intensity exercise training improved cardiovascular fitness and lowered the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in obese young adults. Keywords: Cardiovascular fitness, YMCA 3minute step test, Moderate intensity exercise training.

Appraising Psychiatric Care From a Different Angle: Occupational Therapy Activities and Cardiorespiratory Fitness for Inpatients With Chronic Mental Illness.

People with chronic mental illness (CMI) are at high risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness as a result of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity. Occupational therapy practitioners play a key role as advocates for positive lifestyle change for people with CMI. To determine the relationships between occupational therapy activities and cardiorespiratory fitness among inpatients with CMI. This retrospective research included three phases: descriptive cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. Psychiatric inpatient facility. Inpatients with CMI, ages 18 to 65 yr (N = 325). Data were collected over a 12-mo period. Each daily occupational therapy activity performed by participants was converted to energy expenditure (in kcal). Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by means of the 3-Minute Step Test. After daily occupational therapy activities, significantly more participants increased cardiorespiratory fitness than declined (McNemar χ2 [1] = 29.18, p < .05). Prevocational activities and moderate- to high-intensity exercises met the optimal energy expenditure level (>352 kcal) necessary to achieve an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness. Occupational therapists in psychiatric inpatient settings should prescribe individualized occupation-based or physical activities that meet the optimal daily energy expenditure for each client to improve their cardiorespiratory function. What This Article Adds: This study is one of the first attempts to explore cardiorespiratory fitness outcomes after daily occupational therapy activities for people with CMI. Physical benefits unfolded throughout psychiatric care, echoing the profession's stance on holistic practice.

P213 The 3-minute step test as a predictor of exacerbations in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

P213 The 3-minute step test as a predictor of exacerbations in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Two-Minute Step Test as a Complement to Six-Minute Walk Test in Subjects With Treated Coronary Artery Disease.

The 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) has been presented as an alternative to the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) based on the association between the two tests in older adults; however, some authors propose that it should not be a substitute but rather a complement to the latter in the fitness evaluation. Specifically, in coronary disease, despite the potential and clinical utility of 2MST, the relationship of both tests in this population is unknown. This study aimed to determine the relationship between 6MWT and 2MST and to explore the relationship of biodemographic factors for both tests in subjects with treated coronary artery disease. For this, the 6MWT and the 2MST were applied to patients with coronary artery disease treated in 6 hospitals in Chile between May 2019 and February 2020. Additionally, lower limb strength was assessed by a chair-stand test, grip strength was assessed by a dynamometer, and physical measurements were applied. In total, 163 participants underwent both tests (average age = 58.7 ± 9.8 years; 73.6% men; 64.4% revascularized by angioplasty; 28.2% revascularized by surgery, and 7.4% treated by drugs or thrombolysis). Heart rate was higher at the end of the 6MWT, while the perception of effort was greater at the end of the 2MST. There was a weak positive correlation between the 6MWT and the 2MST in subjects with treated coronary disease (r = 0.28, p = 0.0003). While age (r = –0.27), weight (r = 0.25), height (r = 0.49), and strength of both lower limbs (r = 0.41) and grip strength (r = 0.53) correlated weakly or moderately to the covered distance in 6MWT, the number of steps by the 2MST correlated only weakly to height (r = 0.23), lower limb strength (r = 0.34), and grip strength (r = 0.34). Age, weight, height, lower limb strength, and grip strength would explain better the meters walked in the 6MWT than the steps achieved in the 2MST. With these findings, we can conclude that, in patients with treated coronary artery disease, it does not seem advisable to replace 6MWT with 2MST when it is possible to do so. Additionally, the 2MST may provide additional information in the fitness evaluation. However, the usefulness of 2MST in this population needs to be further studied.

A Psychometric Investigation of Objective and Therapist-rated Performance Measures in a Pediatric Chronic Pain Population: How Well Do These Measure Work?

During intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) for pediatric chronic pain, multiple methods are used to assess pain-related function and physical impairment/improvement. Outside of the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), few studies have examined which assessments best capture functional improvements as a result of IIPT. The aim of the current study was to investigate the psychometric properties of commonly used physical rehabilitation measures in a sample of pediatric patients with chronic pain receiving IIPT. Participants included 140 pediatric patients (M age=14.71, SD=2.39; female=74%) with primary diagnoses of musculoskeletal pain, abdominal pain, and headache. Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2 upper and lower subtests), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COMP performance and satisfaction assessment domains), 6-minute walk test, 30-second step test, and grip strength included descriptive statistics assessed at admission and discharge. The shape of the distributions was a focus with skewness and kurtosis of greater than |1| used to identify non-normal distributions. At admission, WeeFIM (-3.4), COPM-S (1.3), and BOT-2 UL (-1.8) demonstrated significant skew. At discharge, WeeFIM (-5.4), BOT-2 BL (1.7), and 6-minute walk test (-1.2) showed increased skew. Several variables showed kurtosis (1-4) including COPM-S, BOT-2 BL, BOT-2 UL at admission and BOT-2 BL, 6-minute walk test, and grip strength at discharge. The WeeFIM demonstrated significant kurtosis (admission=15.5; discharge=36.5). All measures were moderately correlated with the FDI at admission with the strongest relationships between the 6-minute walk test (-.39) and 30-second step test (-.34). The WeeFIM, seems particularly problematic for use within this population. The overwhelming majority of patients score at the top of the distribution at admission prohibiting demonstration of treatment gains. The BOT-2 and COPM performed somewhat better although caution should still be used. Recommendations for assessment in pain treatment are provided.

The effect of low impact aerobic exercise on increasing physical fitness for the elderly

This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-impact aerobic exercise on increasing physical fitness for the elderly. This one group of pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research recruited elderly subjects from Sumber Waras Elderly Association in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Twenty-four elderly subjects aged 60-70 years old participated in the 16 sessions of aerobic exercise intervention. All subjects completed pre-and post-intervention physical fitness tests comprising the aerobic/cardiovascular (CV) endurance (2 minutes step test), upper body strength (arm curl test), lower body strength (chair stand test), upper body flexibility (back scratch test), core and lower body flexibility (sit and reach test) and balance (8 foot up and go test). Changes in physical fitness (post- versus pre-intervention) of the subjects were analyzed using paired T-test. The normality and homogeneity tests were performed using the Kolmogorov Smirnov and Levene’s tests, respectively. Statistical significance was set to p 0.05. This study showed that all physical fitness components, including aerobic endurance, upper and lower body strength, upper and lower body flexibility, and balance, were increased significantly in the subjects (p 0.05). The results suggest that low-impact aerobic exercise positively affects physical fitness improvement in the elderly.

Reliability of Virtual Physical Performance Assessments in Veterans during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Research ObjectivesTo determine the reliability of three physical performance tests performed via a telehealth visit (30-second arm curls test, 30-second chair stand test, 2-minute step test) among community-dwelling older Veterans.DesignCross sectional study.SettingVirtual.ParticipantsVeterans (mean age 75) who enrolled in Gerofit, virtual group exercise program.InterventionsN/A.Main Outcome MeasuresParticipants were tested by two different assessors at one time point. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and Bland-Altman plots were used as measures of reliability. To assess generalizability, ICCs were further evaluated by health conditions (type 2 diabetes, arthritis, obesity, and depression).ResultsAssessments were conducted among 55 participants. The ICC was above 0.98 for all three tests across health conditions and Bland-Altman plots indicated that there were no significant systematic errors in the measurement.ConclusionsThe virtual physical performance measures appear to have high reliability and the findings are generalizable across health conditions among Veterans. Thus, they are reliable for evaluating physical performance in older Veterans in virtual settings.Author(s) DisclosuresThe authors declare no conflict of interest.

Construct validity and reliability of the 2-minute step test in patients with knee osteoarthritis

ObjectiveTo validate and evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the 2-min step test (2MST) in measuring the functional performance of patients with knee pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsForty-one patients with knee OA was included. Two examiners assessed the patients at two times with interval between the test and retest from 7 to 14 days. All executions of 2MST were recorded in real time by the examiners and were also recorded by video. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence interval (CI), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable difference (MDD) were used to determine reliability. In the construct validity, we correlate the score of the 2MST with the other instruments used in the study: The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Numerical Pain Scale (NPS), Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale (PCTS) and Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale (PSEQ). The agreement between the face-to-face assessment and the evaluation based on the video record was assessed using the Bland-Altman methodology in the 4 moments of the 2MST.Results2MST presented excellent intra- (ICC = 0.94, SEM = 4.47, MDD = 12.40) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.97, SEM = 3.07, MDD = 8.52). The agreement was acceptable between face-to-face assessments and the analyzes performed on video. All instruments showed a statistically significant correlation with 2MST, except the PCTS. A correlation magnitude above 0.50 was found between the 2MST and pain and function domains of the WOMAC, and a correlation magnitude between 0.30 and 0.50 with the joint stiffness domain of the WOMAC, NRPS and PSEQ.Conclusion2MST proved to be valid for assessing functional capacity in patients with knee OA, with excellent reliability.