Feasibility, reproducibility and validity of the 10 meter Shuttle Test in mild to moderately impaired people with stroke

BackgroundThere currently is no field test available for measuring maximal exercise capacity in people with stroke.ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility, reproducibility and validity of the Shuttle Test (ST) to measure exercise capacity in people with stroke.DesignLongitudinal study design.SettingRehabilitation department, day care centres from a nursing home and private practices specialized in neuro rehabilitation.SubjectsPeople with subacute or chronic stroke.InterventionsA standardized protocol was used to determine feasibility, reproducibility and validity of the 10-meter Shuttle Test (10mST).Main measuresNumber of shuttles completed, 1stVentilatory Threshold (1stVT).ResultsThe associations of the number of shuttles completed and cardiopulmonary capacity as measured with a portable gas analyser were r > 0.7, confirming good convergent validity in subacute and chronic people with stroke. Criterion validity, however, indicates it is not a valid test for measuring maximal cardiopulmonary capacity (VO2max). Only 60% of participants were able to reach the 1stVT. Higher cardiopulmonary capacity and a higher total score of the lower extremity Motricity Index contributed significantly to a higher number of shuttles walked (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe Shuttle Test may be a safe and useful exercise test for people after stroke, but may not be appropriate for use with people who walk slower than 2 km/h or 0.56 m/s.