A SIMPLE WALK TEST TO GUIDE EXERCISE PROGRAMMING OF THE ELDERLY

Exercise training programs are usually based on a maximal exercise str ess test; however, this test is often difficult and sometimes frighten ing to older persons. This preliminary study reports on a fixed-distan ce, submaximal walk test and compares its usefulness for exercise pres cription to that of the traditional maximal stress test. Ten cardiac p atients, with an average age of 72 years (4 men), had recent clinicall y indicated maximal graded stress tests. Within one week, each had the walk test, which consisted of walking three times up and back 100 fee t in the hospital corridor (total of 600 feet) as rapidly as possible, with a blood pressure cuff on their arm and carrying the electrocardi ogram cable. Resting and peak heart rate, blood pressure, symptoms, an d exercise electrocardiograms were compared for the walk test v the ma ximal stress test. Oxygen consumption was calculated from the peak wor kload on the maximal stress test and from walking speed on the walk te st. The peak heart rates after the walk test were within the target he art rate zone (70-85%) for exercise programming, as obtained from the maximal stress test, in all patients except one. The calculated peak o xygen consumption from the walk test was also within the training zone (60-80%) obtained from the maximal stress test in all patients except one. This pilot study shows that a submaximal, steady state, timed wa lk of 600 feet can be a feasible method of providing the information f or exercise programming, possibly avoiding the need for a maximal stre ss test. This walk test can be performed easily by health-related staf f without sophisticated facilities in an inpatient rehabilitation unit or nursing home; however, further study with a larger number of patie nts is necessary before this method of exercise prescription can be re commended.