Abstract P004: Modified Step-in-Place Test Measures Exercise Capacity And Tolerance Of Elderly Women

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 145; no. Suppl_1
• Main Authors: Raso, Vagner, Matsudo, Victor Keihan Rodrigues
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-03-2022
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539
• DOI: 10.1161/circ.145.suppl_1.P004

Abstract only
Purpose:
This study analyzed fatigue, heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption, rate of perceived exertion, and steps at 30-second (s) intervals during a modified step-in-place test in elderly women.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional analysis of 272 physically active, community-dwelling women aged 49 to 85 years. Individuals were instructed to perform as many steps in place as possible for two minutes with a knee elevation height (KH) at the midway point between the patella and iliac crest. Absolute (ABSsteps) and relative (RELsteps) steps, age-predicted maximum heart rate (pMHR), fatigue index, heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO
2
max) were evaluated at every 30-second interval.
Results:
ABSsteps (p<0.0001), HR (p<0.0001), pMHR (p<0.0001), and RPE (p<0.001) increased progressively over time, while RELsteps tended to be steady, except at 30s compared to 60 and 120s (p<0.0001). The percentage of the pMHR was 78 ± 11 at 60s and 85 ± 12 at 120s. The percentage of the VO
2
max reached at 60s was 76 ± 4 and at 90s was 110 ± 4. The RPE at 120s was 15 ± 2. Almost two out of every three individuals achieved at least one of the criteria (pMHR
>
85%, or RPE
>
17, or both) to reach maximal effort (N=201, 63%). Approximately seven out of every ten individuals experienced fatigue (N=174, 65%). About half of the fatigued individuals had a decrease in performance that exceeded 15% (N=77, 44%).
Conclusion:
Our study allows us to conclude that individuals experience a progressive physiological demand with a near-maximal effort during the modified step-in-place test. This procedure provides objective endpoints for exercise capacity and tolerance which can be used for various purposes, including drug development.