DEVELOPMENT OF A WALKING TEST FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL-CAPACITY IN NONANEMIC MAINTENANCE DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Citation
Th. Mercer et al., DEVELOPMENT OF A WALKING TEST FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL-CAPACITY IN NONANEMIC MAINTENANCE DIALYSIS PATIENTS, Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation, 13(8), 1998, pp. 2023-2026
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Urology & Nephrology",Transplantation
ISSN journal
09310509
Volume
13
Issue
8
Year of publication
1998
Pages
2023 - 2026
Database
ISI
SICI code
0931-0509(1998)13:8<2023:DOAWTF>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
Background. Walk tests may be useful adjuncts or even alternatives to the assessment of peak oxygen uptake (VO2 (peak)) in patients with low functional capacity. Walk tests are easy to administer, appear to be well tolerated by patients and may represent a more meaningful measure for a patient group as they assess capability as well as fitness. How ever, the use of walk tests for the assessment of functional capacity in maintenance dialysis patients has received scant attention. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of a walking-stair-climbing test to predict VO2 (peak) in non-anaemic maintenance dialysis patient s. Methods. In the validation phase of the study, 14 subjects complete d a cycle ergometer-graded exercise test (GXT) for the determination o f VO2 (peak) and a walking-stair-climbing task (WALK), each separated by a period of 7 days. Three weeks later, 18 subjects completed two WA LK tests, each separated by a period of at least 48 h, to facilitate r eliability estimation. Estimates of differentiated and undifferentiate d ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained during and immedia tely consequent to all exercise tests. Results. VO2 (peak) (ml kg min) was significantly correlated with total WALK time (s) (r = -0.83; P<0 .001). VO2 peak (ml/kg/min) could be predicted from total WALK time wi th a standard error of prediction of 11%. Reliability assessment revea led no significant differences for any aspect of the WALK test perform ance, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from r=0.71 (RP Elegs) to 0.96 (total WALK time). Conclusion. These results indicate t hat the WALK test is a valid, reliable and potentially useful method b y which to assess the functional capacity of non-anaemic maintenance d ialysis patients.