Reliability and validity of six-minute step test in patients with heart failure

Exercise intolerance is the hallmark consequence of advanced chronic heart failure (HF). The six-minute step test (6MST) has been considered an option for the six-minute walk test because it is safe, inexpensive, and can be applied in small places. However, its reliability and concurrent validity has still not been investigated in participants with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Clinically stable HFrEF participants were included. Reliability and error measurement were calculated by comparing the first with the second 6MST result. Forty-eight hours after participants underwent the 6MST, they were invited to perform a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a cycle ergometer. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlation between number of steps and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2 peak) at CPET. Twenty-seven participants with HFrEF (60±8 years old and left ventricle ejection fraction of 41±6%) undertook a mean of 94±30 steps in the 6MST. Intra-rater reliability was excellent for 6MST (ICC=0.9), with mean error of 4.85 steps and superior and inferior limits of agreement of 30.6 and -20.9 steps, respectively. In addition, strong correlations between number of steps and CPET workload (r=0.76, P<0.01) and peak V̇O2 (r=0.71, P<0.01) were observed. From simple linear regression the following predictive equations were obtained with 6MST results: V̇O2 peak (mL/min) = 350.22 + (7.333 × number of steps), with R2=0.51, and peak workload (W) = 4.044 + (0.772 × number of steps), with R2=0.58. The 6MST was a reliable and valid tool to assess functional capacity in HFrEF participants and may moderately predict peak workload and oxygen uptake of a CPET.

Nitrogen single-breath washout test for evaluating exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) traditionally used in clinical practice do not accurately predict exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to assess whether the nitrogen single-breath washout (N2SBW) test explains exercise intolerance and poor quality of life in stable COPD patients. This cross-sectional study included 31 patients with COPD subjected to PFTs (including the N2SBW test) and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Patients were also evaluated using the following questionnaires: the COPD assessment test (CAT), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF36) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) was negatively correlated with the phase III slope of the N2SBW (SIIIN2) (r=-0.681, P<0.0001) and positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; r=0.441, P=0.013). Breathing reserve was negatively correlated with SIIIN2, closing volume/vital capacity, and residual volume (RV) (r=-0.799, P<0.0001; r=-0.471, P=0.007; r=-0.401, P=0.025, respectively) and positively correlated with FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC (r=0.721; P<0.0001; r=0.592, P=0.0004; r=0.670, P<0.0001, respectively). SIIIN2 and CAT were independently predictive of VO2 and breathing reserve at peak exercise. RV, FVC, and FEV1 were independently predictive of the SF36-physical component summary, SF36-mental component summary, and breathing reserve, respectively. The SGRQ did not present any independent variables that could explain the model. In stable COPD patients, inhomogeneity of ventilation explains a large degree of exercise intolerance assessed by CPETs and, to a lesser extent, poor quality of life.

Influence of central obesity in estimating maximal oxygen uptake

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of central obesity on the magnitude of the error of estimate of maximal oxygen uptake in maximal cycling exercise testing. METHOD: A total of 1,715 adults (68% men) between 18-91 years of age underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a progressive protocol to volitional fatigue. Subjects were stratified by central obesity into three quartile ranges: Q1, Q2-3 and Q4. Maximal oxygen uptake [mL.(kg.min)-1] was estimated by the attained maximal workload and body weight using gender- and population-specific equations. The error of estimate [mL.(kg.min)-1] and percent error between measured and estimated maximal oxygen uptake values were compared among obesity quartile ranges. RESULTS: The error of estimate and percent error differed (mean ± SD) for men (Q1=1.3±3.7 and 2.0±10.4; Q2-3=0.5±3.1 and -0.5±13.0; and Q4=-0.3±2.8 and -4.5±15.8 (p<0.05)) and for women (Q1=1.6±3.3 and 3.6±10.2; Q2-3=0.4±2.7 and -0.4±11.8; and Q4=-0.9±2.3 and -10.0±22.7 (p<0.05)). CONCLUSION: Central obesity directly influences the magnitude of the error of estimate of maximal oxygen uptake and should be considered when direct expired gas analysis is unavailable.

Sex-Specific Equations to Estimate Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Cycle Ergometry / Equações Específicas por Sexo para Estimativa do Consumo Máximo de Oxigênio em Cicloergometria

AbstractBackground:Aerobic fitness, assessed by measuring VO2max in maximum cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) or by estimating VO2max through the use of equations in exercise testing, is a predictor of mortality. However, the error resulting from this estimate in a given individual can be high, affecting clinical decisions.Objective:To determine the error of estimate of VO2max in cycle ergometry in a population attending clinical exercise testing laboratories, and to propose sex-specific equations to minimize that error.Methods:This study assessed 1715 adults (18 to 91 years, 68% men) undertaking maximum CPX in a lower limbs cycle ergometer (LLCE) with ramp protocol. The percentage error (E%) between measured VO2max and that estimated from the modified ACSM equation (Lang et al. MSSE, 1992) was calculated. Then, estimation equations were developed: 1) for all the population tested (C-GENERAL); and 2) separately by sex (C-MEN and C-WOMEN).Results:Measured VO2max was higher in men than in WOMEN: -29.4 ± 10.5 and 24.2 ± 9.2 mL.(kg.min)-1 (p < 0.01). The equations for estimating VO2max [in mL.(kg.min)-1] were: C-GENERAL = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.483 + 7; C-MEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.791 + 7; and C-WOMEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 9.820 + 7. The E% for MEN was: -3.4 ± 13.4% (modified ACSM); 1.2 ± 13.2% (C-GENERAL); and -0.9 ± 13.4% (C-MEN) (p < 0.01). For WOMEN: -14.7 ± 17.4% (modified ACSM); -6.3 ± 16.5% (C-GENERAL); and -1.7 ± 16.2% (C-WOMEN) (p < 0.01).Conclusion:The error of estimate of VO2max by use of sex-specific equations was reduced, but not eliminated, in exercise tests on LLCE.

ResumoFundamento:A condição aeróbica, avaliada pela medida do VO2máx no teste cardiopulmonar de exercício máximo (TCPE) ou estimada por equações no teste de exercício, é preditora de mortalidade. Porém, o erro obtido pela estimativa em um dado indivíduo pode ser alto, afetando decisões clínicas.Objetivo:Determinar o erro de estimativa do VO2máx em cicloergometria em população atendida nos serviços de ergometria e propor equações específicas por sexo para minimizar o erro na estimativa do VO2máx.Métodos:Foram avaliados 1715 adultos (18 a 91 anos) (68% homens) submetidos a TCPE máximo em cicloergômetro de membros inferiores (CMI) com protocolo de rampa. Calculou-se o erro percentual (E%) entre o VO2máx medido e o estimado pela equação ACSM modificada (Lang e col. MSSE, 1992). A seguir, foram desenvolvidas equações de estimativa: 1) para toda a amostra testada (C-GERAL) e 2) separadamente por sexo (C-HOMENS e C-MULHERES).Resultados:O VO2máx medido foi maior em homens do que em mulheres - 29,4 ± 10,5 e 24,2 ± 9,2 mL.(kg.min)-1 (p < 0,01) -. As equações de estimativa do VO2máx foram mL.(kg.min)-1: C-GERAL = [carga final (W)/peso (kg)] x 10,483 + 7; C‑HOMENS = [carga final (W)/peso (kg)] x 10,791 + 7; e C-MULHERES = [carga final (W)/peso (kg)] x 9,820 + 7. Os E% em homens foram -3,4 ± 13,4% (ACSM modificada), 1,2 ± 13,2% (C-GERAL) e -0,9 ± 13,4% (C-HOMENS) (p < 0,01). Em mulheres, obtivemos: -14,7 ± 17,4% (ACSM modificada), -6,3 ± 16,5% (C-GERAL) e -1,7 ± 16,2% (C-MULHERES) (p < 0,01).Conclusão:O erro de estimativa do VO2máx através de equações específicas por sexo foi reduzido, porém não eliminado, nos testes de exercício em CMI.

Panic disorder and exercise avoidance

Objectives: 1) To identify whether patients with panic disorder in general and those with the respiratory subtype in particular actively avoid exercise; 2) to investigate physiological differences in cardiopulmonary function parameters in patients with panic disorder in general, patients with the respiratory subtype of panic disorder, and healthy controls upon exercise challenge. Methods: Patients with panic disorder were classified as having either the respiratory or the non-respiratory subtype. Both groups were compared to controls in terms of exercise avoidance patterns and performance on cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results: Patients with panic disorder exhibited higher exercise avoidance scores and worse performance on cardiopulmonary exercise testing as compared with controls. No differences were found between patients with the respiratory and non-respiratory subtypes. Conclusions: Exercise avoidance is present in panic disorder and is associated with poorer performance on cardiopulmonary exercise testing. These findings are not limited to patients with the respiratory subtype of the disorder. .