GLITTRE-ADL TESTS IN THREE LAPS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE FIVE LAPS TEST.

Background: The Glittre-ADL test is a comprehensive test to evaluate functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aim: The primary aim was to validate the Glittre-ADL test with and without the backpack performed in three laps as an alternative of five laps in people with COPD.

Methods: Forty-eight participants with mild to severe COPD (mean±SD age: 71±7 years; FEV: 46 ± 17 %predicted) were recruited and performed two six-minute walk tests (visit 1); two Glittre-ADL tests with backpack (visit 2), and the Glittre-ADL test with and without the backpack, in random order (visit 3).

Results: The Glittre-ADL tests were performed in five laps and symptoms, heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded for three and five laps. The Glittre-ADL test performed in three laps provoked the same oxygen desaturation [mean ± SD oxygen saturation (SpO): 90±6 vs 90±6, p=0.249] and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) [RPE legs: 2.91±2.23 vs 3.08±2.56, p= 0.380; RPE arms: 1.91±1.77 vs 2.16±1.92, p=0.306] to the Glittre-ADL test performed in five laps for both Glittre with the backpack and without the backpack SpO [mean ± SD: 90±6 vs 90±7, p=0.249], and RPE [legs: 3.02±2.28 vs 3.25±2.37, p= 0.380; arms: 2.13±1.91 vs 2.03±1.84, p=0.306]. The heart rate and dyspnoea were significantly lower for both Glittre-ADL tests performed in three laps.

Conclusion: The 3-lap Glittre-ADL test may be a more practical alternative to the 5-lap test, while still remaining a good test of functional capacity for activities of daily living.