SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Walk Test”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 703 records · Page 39Linked to original sources

PubMed1988

High-dose inhaled albuterol in severe chronic airflow limitation.

Higher doses of inhaled albuterol have been shown to cause slightly more bronchodilatation than standard doses from a metered-dose inhaler in patients with severe chronic airflow limitation. Higher doses, however, carry an increased risk of side effects, and the optimum dose balancing benefit and adverse effects have yet to be established. We have therefore looked at objective and subjective evidence of beneficial and adverse effects after 4 doses of albuterol in 30 patients with chronic bronchitis, severe airflow limitation, and less than 200 ml increase in FEV1 after 200 micrograms inhaled albuterol. Subjects were given placebo, 400 micrograms, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 4 mg albuterol by dry powder inhaler in random order on separate days in a double-blind study, and FEV1, relaxed VC, PEFR, 12-min walk distance, finger tremor, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and arrhythmias were measured at intervals over 6 h. With increasing doses of albuterol, there was a significant dose-related increase in FEV1, VC, and PEFR, the maximal mean changes being 196 ml, 480 ml, and 50 L/min, respectively. The duration of effect was longer with the higher doses. There was a dose-related increase in heart rate, tremor amplitude, and supraventricular ectopic beats and a dose-related fall in oxygen saturation. There was no drug-related effect on the frequency of ventricular ectopic beats either at rest or during the walk tests. The largest increases in walk distance occurred after the 1 and 2 mg doses and the least after the 4 mg dose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Brain natriuretic peptide is a prognostic parameter in chronic lung disease.

RATIONALE: The detection of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic lung disease has prognostic implications. The brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been suggested as a noninvasive marker for the presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated circulating BNP levels as a parameter for the presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic lung disease. METHODS: BNP levels were measured in 176 consecutive patients with various pulmonary diseases. Right heart catheterization, lung functional testing, and a 6-min walk test were performed. The mean follow-up time was nearly 1 yr. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Significant pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure > 35 mm Hg) was diagnosed in more than one-fourth of patients and led to decreased exercise tolerance and life expectancy. Elevated BNP concentrations identified significant pulmonary hypertension with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.88 and predicted mortality. Moreover, BNP served as a risk factor of death independent of lung functional impairment or hypoxemia in uni- and multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: We suggest BNP as a prognostic marker and as screening parameter for significant pulmonary hypertension in chronic lung disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Effect of an exercise program on functional performance of institutionalized elderly.

This study determined the effectiveness of a 6-month program of regular exercises for the improvement of functional performance of the elderly living in a nursing home. The 40 subjects aged 60 to 99 who took part in this trial were assigned either to a comparative group or an exercise group. The following variables were measured: functional performance with the use of an obstacle course, a lower-limb function test, and a 6-minute walk test (gait velocity); isometric strength of the knee extensors; proprioception of the lower limbs; mental status through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); and depression symptoms with the use of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). In the exercise group, 19 subjects completed the program and attended an average of 32 (68%) sessions. At the end of the trial, the exercise subjects showed significant performance improvement in quantitative and qualitative obstacle course scores, lower-limb function test, gait velocity test, knee extensors strength, and the GDS, while the nonexercise subjects showed significant decrease in qualitative obstacle course score, lower-limb function, gait velocity, MMSE, and the GDS.

Affect↗

PubMed1989

Self-report questionnaire scores in rheumatoid arthritis compared with traditional physical, radiographic, and laboratory measures.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess whether scores on a simple self-report questionnaire to depict the clinical status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are correlated with traditional measures of physical, radiographic, laboratory, functional, and global status. DESIGN: The self-report questionnaire was administered at the same time the following variables were assessed: American Rheumatism Association functional class, joint count, hand radiograph, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor titer, walking time, grip strength, button test, and global self-assessment. SETTING: University rheumatology clinic, the rheumatology clinic of a Veterans Administration hospital, and a private rheumatology practice. PATIENTS: The study included 259 patients who met the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association for a diagnosis of definite or classic rheumatoid arthritis. INTERVENTIONS: Standard rheumatologic care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Self-report questionnaire scores were significantly correlated with the joint count, radiographic score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, grip strength, button test, walking time, American Rheumatism Association functional class, and global self-assessment. Patients were categorized into five questionnaire score categories of 1.00, indicating no dysfunction, and 1.01 to 1.50, 1.51 to 2.00, 2.01 to 3.00, and 3.01 to 4.00, indicating progressive dysfunction. In these five categories, more than ten involved joints were seen in 11%, 37%, 67%, 79%, and 100% of patients, respectively, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates greater than 20 mm/h in 29%, 49%, 64%, 74%, and 85% of patients, respectively. Similar results were seen for other physical and radiographic measures. The questionnaire score was as effective in explaining other measures of clinical status as was any other available measure. CONCLUSIONS: A simple self-report questionnaire provides information similar to many traditional measures in rheumatoid arthritis and appears to be an attractive, cost-effective approach to assessing and monitoring quantitatively the status of an individual patient.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2000

[The effects of enalapril on exercise capacity and right ventricular function in patients with chronic cor pulmonale].

BACKGROUND: Chronic cor pulmonale (CPC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a predictor of mortality. ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) improve the symptoms and reduce mortality of left ventricular or congestive failure, however their long term use in patients with CPC has not been tested. The aim of this study is to assess the effect on exercise tolerance and cardiorespiratory function of long term administration of enalapril in patients with CPC. METHODS: Placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized study. 28 patients (24 men and 4 women, mean age of 68.11 +/- 7.78, range 51-79) with CPC and without exacerbation of their respiratory symptoms at baseline were double blind randomised to receive enalapril or placebo for 6 months, added to their previous therapy. Respiratory function test, exercise tolerance ("six minutes walking test") and isotopic ventriculography were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: At baseline there were no differences in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and exercise tolerance. Both placebo and enalapril were well tolerated. At the end of the study, patients taking enalapril increased their exercise tolerance an 8.9% (19 m) vs 4.7% (33 m) in the placebo group (p 0.44; 95 percent confidence interval, -41.10 to 91.99). RVEF improved a 6.4% with enalapril but worsened a 7.09% in placebo group (p 0.15; 95 percent confidence interval, -12.87 to 2.10). CONCLUSIONS: Long term administration of enalapril do not improve neither exercise tolerance, nor right ventricular (RV) function, although given in increasingly doses is well tolerated and might prevent further worsening in RV systolic function.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

[Exertional hypoxemia evaluated by pulse oximetry in patients with interstitial lung diseases].

The pattern of change in arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) measured by pulse oximetry (PO) during exercise, including daily activities, was studied in 23 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), 19 of whom had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 3 collagen vascular disease, and 1 BOOP. Hypoxemia, as detected by PO appeared without dyspnea at the beginning of exertion or at a mild workload. Exercise usually induced significant changes in the same fashion first in heart rate, then in SpO2, and then in dyspnea, but stair climbing had a different pattern. Workload at the lactate threshold (LT) and symptom-limited maximal exercise (SL) in a bicyclergometer incremental exercise test correlated well with distance walked in a 10-minute walking test (10-eMD) (p < 0.01). Similarly, the degree in desaturation in each exercise test was closely correlated (p < 0.01). Exertional hypoxemia was more prominent in patients with ILD than in those with chronic pulmonary emphysema. Nevertheless, dyspne changed less per change in SpO2 in ILD patients. We conclude that prolonged monitoring of SpO2 by PO will disclose the presence of exertional desaturation in ILD patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1993

The physical condition of elderly women differing in habitual physical activity.

In a cross-sectional study, 50 elderly women (age 71.5 +/- 4.2 yr, mean +/- SD) participated in a battery of tests assessing several aspects of physical fitness. The women were selected based on tertiles of habitual physical activity as determined by a validated questionnaire 10 months ago. The tests comprised the following measurements: peak expiratory flow, flexibility of shoulder joint, flexibility of hip and spine, balance, reaction time, grip strength, manual dexterity, and endurance. Additionally, data were collected on height, body weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A questionnaire was used to evaluate subjective fitness and general subjective health. Results indicated that physically more active elderly women tend to have better results on most tests. Body weight and body mass index, flexibility of the hip and spine (assessed using a sit-and-reach test), and endurance on a walk test were significantly better in the more active women. Test results are confirmed by subjective evaluation by the participants.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Assessing advanced locomotor recovery after total hip arthroplasty with the timed stair test.

OBJECTIVE: To assess advanced locomotor performance with the timed stair test (TST) and to determine if the level of performance of a group of women one year after hip replacement changed with the functional demands of the tasks. DESIGN: Comparison of the performance of two groups of women. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: A convenient sample including 18 women who had had a total hip replacement 11 months earlier (patients) and 15 healthy age-matched women (comparison group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Three tests were administered: the 10-m walk test, the unloaded TST and the loaded TST (10 kg). The duration of each test was recorded and transformed into speed and the level of performance was assessed by calculating percentage deficit using corresponding values from the comparison group. The TST is made of four subtasks: (1) standing up and walking, (2) ascending stairs, (3) turning and descending stairs, (4) walking back, turning and sitting down. RESULTS: Significant differences in performance were found for all three tests with the patients showing a slower performance. The percentage deficits increased significantly from the less difficult (walking: 18%) to the more difficult conditions (unloaded TST: 23% and loaded TST: 28%), with the greatest deficits found during stair descent. Strong correlations were also found between walking deficits and TST deficits (loaded: r = 0.82; unloaded: r = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: By combining mobility, walking and stair activities, the TST can be used to assess various components of advanced locomotor performance. The progressive level of difficulty of the TST subtasks as well as the addition of a load make it useful to detect subtle locomotor disabilities.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Benefits and weaknesses of a cardiac rehabilitation programme.

The British Heart Foundation and the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association have allocated funds to develop cardiac rehabilitation programmes. We have recently completed and now evaluate an exercise-based rehabilitation course reinforced with advice about return to normal activity for 110 patients who had suffered acute myocardial infarction. Patients admitted to the Plymouth cardiac care unit were randomised into groups: a control group to receive standard hospital care, and a rehabilitation group who, in addition, received an exercise programme reinforced with advice. Patients were assessed at entry to the study and at intervals thereafter. Assessment was by questionnaire and objective tests consisting of a 12-minute walking test and weekly outpatient pedometry. In the rehabilitation group patients were able to walk further and faster, return to work earlier, undertake more housework, and resume normal sexual activity; they were less short of breath and did not experience more angina. However, the rehabilitation course brought little benefit to the patients' perception of well-being and their anxiety about health or their outlook on life. Exercise and advice are important components of a rehabilitation programme, but more attention needs to be given to the psychological aspects of recovery from a heart attack.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Knee strength and lower- and higher-intensity functional performance in older adults.

PURPOSE: This study characterizes the linear relations among knee strength, work capacity, and lower- and higher-intensity measures of functional performance in ambulatory, high-functioning older adults. METHODS: Sixty-two seniors (average age = 73.4 +/- 7.3 yr) participated in the study. Isokinetic measures included the peak flexion/extension torque produced during five continuous repetitions and the total flexion/extension work performed during 20 repetitions (60 degrees x s(-1)). Functional measures included lower-intensity tests (timed 8-foot and 50-foot walking tests at the participants' "normal" pace, and a standing reach task) and higher-intensity tests (a timed 50-foot "brisk" walk, timed chair stands, and a timed stair climb). RESULTS: Isokinetic strength and work capacity measures explained between 41% and 54% of the variance in the higher-intensity functional models and only between 31% and 33% of the variance in the lower-intensity models. The strength of the associations, approximated by the beta coefficients of the strength and work terms, was also greater for the higher-intensity functional tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is warranted to determine whether exercises that increase knee strength and work capacity, improve brisk walking, stair climbing, and chair standing capabilities in older adults.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Walking speed over 10 metres overestimates locomotor capacity after stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To examine 10-m comfortable walking speed and 6-minute distance in healthy individuals and individuals after stroke and to assess the level of disability associated with poor walking endurance after stroke. DESIGN: Descriptive study in which comfortable walking speed over 10 m and distance covered in 6 minutes (6-minute walk test) were compared between healthy subjects and subjects after stroke. SUBJECTS: Twelve healthy subjects and 14 subjects after stroke. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Walking speed and 6-minute distances were compared between groups. In addition, for each group, actual distance walked in 6 minutes was compared with the distance predicted by the 10-m walking speed test and the distance predicted by normative reference equations. RESULTS: Subjects after stroke had significant reductions in 10-m speed and 6-minute distance compared with healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Subjects after stroke were not able to maintain their comfortable walking speed for 6 minutes, whereas healthy subjects walked in excess of their comfortable speed for 6 minutes. The average distance walked in 6 minutes by individuals after stroke was only 49.8+/-23.9% of the distance predicted for healthy individuals with similar physical characteristics. CONCLUSION: In our subjects after stroke, walking speed over a short distance overestimated the distance walked in 6 minutes. Both walking speed and endurance need to be measured and trained during rehabilitation.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Accelerometer-based adaptive-rate pacing: a multicenter study. European EXCEL Study Group.

UNLABELLED: A new adaptive rate pacemaker, using an accelerometer to detect body motion as an indicator of metabolic demand, was evaluated in 13 centers located in five countries. During the study, 55 patients with a broad range of indications were implanted with the EXCEL VR single chamber pacemaker. One month evaluations were completed on a subgroup of 37 patients. The pacemaker response was optimized before discharge using a simple walking test. An "exercise test" recording feature in the programmer eliminated the need for ECG monitoring. At nominal settings, the mean (+/- SD) pacing rate increased 29 +/- 9 ppm while walking slowly and 44 +/- 11 ppm (n = 33) during a brisk walk. This information was used to optimize the parameter settings. Without further changes to the programmed settings the patients were subsequently tested 2-4 weeks postimplant with a symptom-limited treadmill test using the chronotropic assessment exercise protocol (CAEP). Mean pacing rate increased from 74.5 +/- 2.5 ppm (n = 24) at rest to 118.6 +/- 12.2 ppm (n = 21) at 3 mph/6% grade to 143.5 +/- 3.5 ppm (n = 2) at 3.8 mph/8% grade. CONCLUSION: The individual responses were proportional to the physical exertion imposed on the patients. Pacing rates were considered to be appropriate using the chronotropic response zone as a criterion for appropriate rate modulation. A simple walking test utilizing the exercise test facility, results in appropriate optimization of the pulse generator to the individual patient.

Acceleration↗

PubMed2005

Effects of calcium pyruvate supplementation during training on body composition, exercise capacity, and metabolic responses to exercise.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of calcium pyruvate supplementation during training on body composition and metabolic responses to exercise. METHODS: Twenty-three untrained females were matched and assigned to ingest in a double blind and randomized manner either 5 g of calcium pyruvate (PYR) or a placebo (PL) twice daily for 30 d while participating in a supervised exercise program. Prior to and following supplementation, subjects had body composition determined via hydrodensiometry; performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test; and performed a 45-min walk test at 70% of pre-training VO2 max in which fasting pre- and post exercise blood samples determined. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups in energy intake or training volume. Univariate repeated measures ANOVA revealed that subjects in the PYR group gained less weight (PL 1.2 +/- 0.3, PYR 0.3 +/- 0.3 kg, P = 0.04), lost more fat (PL 1.1 +/- 0.5; PYR -0.4 +/- 0.5 kg, P = 0.03), and tended to lose a greater percentage of body fat (PL 1.0 +/- 0.7; PYR -0.65 +/- 0.6%, P = 0.07), with no differences observed in fat-free mass (PL 0.1 +/- 0.5; PYR 0.7 +/- 0.3 kg, P = 0.29). However, these changes were not significant when body composition data were analyzed by MANOVA (P = 0.16). There was some evidence that PYR may negate some of the beneficial effects of exercise on HDL values. No significant differences were observed between groups in maximal exercise responses or metabolic responses to submaximal walking. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that PYR supplementation during training does not significantly affect body composition or exercise performance and may negatively affect some blood lipid levels.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Surgical treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus].

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an important diagnosis to keep in mind, i.e. the possibility that NPH and not a neurodegenerative disease causes the patient's symptoms with ataxia, urinary incontinence and dementia. Clinical improvement, sometimes a complete reversal of the symptoms, may be seen after a simple surgical procedure. This prospective study was performed by testing eight consecutively shunted patients with a walking test and a cognitive test battery pre- and postoperatively. Improvement 3-4 months after the shunting procedure suggests that NPH was present in six of eight patients. Walking ability was improved after surgery, also in patients with severe dementia. Severe dementia caused by NPH is hardly reversible, though cognitive tests may indicate some improvement. However, early surgical treatment of NPH in patients not suffering from a dementia according to the Mini Mental Status Test may bring improvement in some cognitive functions. Patients with both clinical and radiological signs of normal pressure hydrocephalus should be offered a shunting procedure.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Estimation of peak oxygen consumption from a sub-maximal half mile walk in obese females.

This study compared peak oxygen consumption estimated from a half mile sub-maximal walk test with oxygen consumption determined from a maximal treadmill test with 96 obese females. A half mile walk was completed as quickly as possible without running. Retests on 71 subjects were completed to determine the reliability of the half mile walk. Hearts rates were obtained for 15 s immediately upon completion of the walks. Stepwise regression to estimate peak VO2 was used with the following variables: walk time (TM), body weight, height, BMI, age, and heart rate (HR). The best equation was peak VO2 (ml/kg/min) = 53.23 - (1.98 x TM) - (0.32 x BMI) - (0.08 x age), r = 0.76, s.e.e. = 2.89 ml/kg/min. The mean difference between determined and estimated peak VO2 in a cross-validation group of subjects who were not included in the validation group was 0.15 ml/kg/min (n.s.), r = 0.77, s.e.e. = 3.01 ml/kg/min, E = 3.09. Reliability for time to complete the half mile walk was r = 0.87 with 0.1 min difference (n.s.). This study indicated the half mile walk to provide an accurate, reliable estimate of peak VO2 which should be useful in the clinical setting.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Comparison of Flutter device and chest physical therapy in the treatment of cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbation.

Chest physiotherapy (CPT) is recommended for the clearance of bronchial secretions in the management of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The Flutter valve (Scandipharm, Birmingham, AL) has been introduced as an alternative method to CPT for airway mucus clearance. The objective of this study was to compare the short-term effects of CPT and the Flutter valve on pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in patients with cystic fibrosis. Twenty-three patients, 5 to 21 years of age, were randomized to receive one of two interventions: CPT or the Flutter valve, upon admission to the hospital for a 2-week treatment of pulmonary exacerbation. Pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and the 6-min walk test were performed on admission, day 7, and day 14 of hospitalization. Data analysis indicated no significant differences between the two groups on admission. Both groups showed improvement in pulmonary function test results, but the Flutter group had a higher mean forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)) compared to the CPT group after 1 week of intervention. Both groups continued to improve during the 2-week intervention, with no significant difference in FVC or FEV(1) between groups by the end of 2 weeks. Mean forced expiratory flow rate between 25-75% of vital capacity (FEF(25-75)), 6-min walk distance, and resting arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO(2)) showed little change by day 7, but improved significantly (P< 0.05) by day 14 of hospitalization in both groups, with no significant difference between groups. This study demonstrated that patients using the Flutter device had better pulmonary function after 1 week of therapy and similar improvement in pulmonary function and exercise tolerance compared to CPT after 2 weeks of therapy, suggesting that Flutter valve therapy is an acceptable alternative to standard CPT during in-hospital care of patients with CF.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nocturnal mechanical ventilation improves exercise capacity in kyphoscoliotic patients with respiratory impairment.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe kyphoscoliosis, with or without stable respiratory failure, frequently experience oxyhaemoglobin desaturation during sleep, exercise, or both. Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) applied during sleep has been demonstrated to be able to control nocturnal desaturations and also improve diurnal respiratory failure, if this is present, in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a seven-day treatment with nocturnal NIPPV on exercise tolerance in a group of 6 patients with severe kyphoscoliosis and significant nocturnal and exercise-induced oxyhaemoglobin desaturation. METHODS: NIPPV was applied each night for a week by means of a volume cycled pressure ventilator set in assisted/controlled mode. In each patient lung function, daytime arterial blood gas analysis, overnight non invasive recording of arterial saturation, and 6-minutes walking test were carried out initially and at the end of the NIPPV course. RESULTS: During nocturnal NIPPV, as compared to baseline, the percent of night time spent below 90% of oxyhaemoglobin saturation significantly fell from 20 +/- 12.8 to 2.3 +/- 1.9 (Student t-test: p = 0.017). The 6-minute walking distance significantly increased from 244.7 +/- 132.2 to 340 +/- 122.3 m (p = 0.0097). Spirometry, daytime arterial blood gas analysis, and exercise-induced oxyhaemoglobin desaturation were unaffected by treatment. CONCLUSION: A one-week course of treatment with nocturnal NIPPV improves exercise capacity in patients with severe kyphoscoliosis.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of the integrity of the dopamine system in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease: small animal positron emission tomography compared to behavioral assessment and autoradiography.

PURPOSE: In the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD), it is important to determine lesion severity. This evaluation can be performed in vivo, through evaluation of dopamine (DA)-dependent motor function or with small animal positron emission tomography (microPET), or at postmortem, by examining markers for DA neurons. PROCEDURES: Rats were given mild or severe unilateral 6-OHDA lesions, scanned with the tracer [(11)C](+/-)dihydrotetrabenazine ([(11)C]DTBZ), and tested on a tapered/ledged beam-walking task. At postmortem, autoradiography was performed with [(11)C]DTBZ. RESULTS: Autoradiography was significantly correlated with microPET and behavioral scores, whereas the microPET and behavioral data were not significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that behavioral analysis, microPET, and autoradiography are all good tools for measuring the integrity of the DA system, and demonstrates the utility of the tapered/ledged beam-walking test to screen for lesion severity, as well as the importance of including postmortem analysis after in vivo imaging studies.

Animals↗