A simple method to derive speed for the endurance shuttle walk test.

Background: The original method for determining endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) speed involves components that are time consuming for clinicians. We sought to determine: (i) whether components described in the original method for determining ESWT speed held true and; (ii) the agreement between speeds derived using the original method and that equivalent to 85% of the peak speed achieved during the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT).

Methods: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) performed two ISWTs and one ESWT on separate days, wearing a calibrated portable gas analysis unit.

Comparing peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory responses during field walking tests with incremental cycle ergometry in COPD.

Background And Objective: Field and laboratory-based tests are used to measure exercise capacity in people with COPD. A comparison of the cardiorespiratory responses to field tests, referenced to a laboratory test, is needed to appreciate the relative physiological demands. We sought to compare peak and submaximal cardiorespiratory responses to the 6-min walk test, incremental shuttle walk test and endurance shuttle walk test with a ramp cycle ergometer test (CET) in patients with COPD.

Defining the relationship between average daily energy expenditure and field-based walking tests and aerobic reserve in COPD.

Background: The aims of this study were to determine which tests of exercise capacity relate to average daily energy expenditure (DEE) and to quantify aerobic reserve during daily life in people with COPD.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 26 people with COPD (16 men; FEV(1), 50% ± 16%). Six-min walk distance (6MWD) and incremental shuttle walk distance (ISWD) measures were collected, and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2) peak) was measured during a symptom-limited ramp cycle ergometry test.

Breaking the access barrier: evaluating an asthma center's efforts to provide education to children with asthma in schools.

Objective: To evaluate an asthma education program for children with asthma that is delivered in their school by certified asthma educators from a local hospital-based asthma center.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Twenty-six elementary schools located in a suburb of Toronto.