Variability in performance of timed walk tests in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe variability in the conduct of walk tests in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.


METHODS
: Analysis of information obtained by means of a structured written questionnaire.


METHODS
Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs in the United States and Canada.


METHODS
Clinical coordinators of 75 pulmonary rehabilitation programs.


METHODS
None


RESULTS
Timed walk tests were obtained in 71 of 99 programs surveyed. Considerable variability in all aspects of testing practices was evident. Fifty-seven respondents (80%) based results on a single walk. Walk tests were completed in a hallway (73%), on a walking track (9%), and on a treadmill (7%). In 29 programs (44%), a walk supervisor carried or pulled the oxygen source, while in 25 programs (38%), the oxygen was carried or pulled by the patient. Informal nonstandardized instructions were provided to patients prior to walking in 41 programs (58%). In 53 programs (76%), the walk supervisor could direct a patient to speed up, to slow down, or to rest. Evaluations of breathlessness and perceived exertion were measured during the walk by 73% and 16% of programs, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Practices regarding performance of timed walk tests are poorly standardized among pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of certain variations in testing practices on test results.
Elpern
E H
EH
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. eelpern@rush.edu
Stevens
D
D
Kesten
S
S
D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016138:Walking