Article

There is ambiguity concerning the walk tests available for functional
assessment of coronary patients, particularly for the walking speed. This study
explores the psychometric properties of two walking tests, based on
fixed-distance tests, at comfortable and fast velocity, in stabilized patients at
the end of a cardiac rehabilitation program. METHODS:
At a three-day interval 58
coronary patients (mean age of 64.85+/-6.03 years, 50 men) performed three walk
tests, the first two at a comfortable speed in a random order (6-minute walk test
- 6MWT - and 400-metre comfortable walk test - 400mCWT) and the third at a brisk
speed (200-metre fast walk test - 200mFWT). A modified Bruce treadmill test was
associated at the end of the second phase. Monitored main parameters were: heart
rate, walking velocity, VO2. RESULTS: Tolerance to the 3 tests was satisfactory.
The reliability of the main parameters was good (intraclass correlation
coefficient>0.8). The VO2 concerning 6MWT and 400mCWT were not significantly
different (P=0.33) and were lower to the first ventilatory threshold determined
by the stress test (P<0.001): 16.2+/-3.0 vs. 16.5+/-2.6 vs.
20.7+/-5.1mL.min-1.kg-1 respectively. The VO2 of the 200mFWT (20.2+/-3.7) was not
different from the first ventilatory threshold. CONCLUSIONS: 400mCWT and 200mFWT
are feasible, well-tolerated and reliable. They explore two levels of effort
intensity (lower and not different to the first ventilatory threshold
respectively). 400mCWT is a possible alternative to 6MWT. Associated with 200mFWT
it should allow a better measurement of physical capacities and better
customization of exercise training.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS