Avaliação da capacidade funcional do sistema cardiovascular de idosos com a utilização do teste de caminhada e do teste do degrau de 6 minutos

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to assess functional capacity in the elderly population. In addition, the six-minute step test (TD6M) may be an alternative in conditions where space is limited. Both tests can be used as indicators of functional capacity, but it is necessary to investigate whether, in the elderly population, cardiovascular responses and perceived exertion differ between tests. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare cardiovascular and effort perception responses during 6MWT and TD6M in the elderly. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-three elderly, age 71.60 ± 8.25 years, who participated in recreational activities. These were randomized to perform the 6MWT (3 men and 12 women) or TD6M (7 men and 11 women). The tests were performed twice, with an interval of 30 minutes. The TD6M was made in a 20 cm high step and the TC6M was performed in a 30 meter corridor. Heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and subjective perception of exertion CR10 (Borg dyspnea) and Borg lower limbs (LLL) were collected in the In the 6th minute and in the 1st minute of recovery. The functional capacity was evaluated from the distance traveled in meters (TC6M) or step number raised. Statistical analysis: Student's t, with α = 5%. RESULTS: The mean distance walked on the 6MWT was 381.70 meters and the average number of steps was 103.03 steps. The HR in the 6th minute of the TD6M was higher compared to the 6MWT. SBP, DBP and SpO2 did not differ between tests. The subjective perception of effort, MMII and dyspnea, was greater in the 6th minute of the TD6M compared to the 6MWT. At 1 minute post-exercise HR, SBP, DBP, SpO2, Borg MMII and Borg dyspnoea did not differ between the tests. The HR, Borg MMII and Borg dyspnea were larger in the 6th minute of both tests compared to rest and 1 minute after exertion. CONCLUSION: TD6M caused higher cardiovascular stress, fatigue of LLL and dyspnea, probably because of the higher metabolic requirement and postural adjustments in relation to the 6MWT. Although the cardiovascular responses differed between the tests, there was a rapid recovery of these variables after the physical effort. Thus, TD6 may be a simple and reproducible alternative for the evaluation of the functional capacity of the elderly