Comparison of different field tests for functional capacity assessment in individuals with fibrosing interstitial lung disease

Background: Interstitial fibrosing lung disease (IFLD) affects the pulmonary parenchyma, decreasing pulmonary compliance, altering ventilatory mechanics and reducing the functional capacity of the individual. Studies have compared the clinical utility of field walking tests (6-min walk test - 6MWT); Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) to assess exercise tolerance in patients with IFLD. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the physiological variables presented in the field tests (6MWT, ISWT and Endurante Shuttle Walk Test - ESWT). Methods: Patients with a medical diagnosis of IFLD were recruited from specialized outpatient clinic, such as interstitial diseases. Patients were underwent to anthropometric evaluation, spirometry, application of dyspnea questionnaires, quality of life and level of physical activity. The patients performed 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT according to its guidelines. Results: Eighteen individuals of both sexes, age 62.71 ± 4.75 years, with mild pulmonary restriction. According to the predictive equations, 90.28% of predicted in the 6MWT and 70.04% in the ISWT, 7 subjects stopped during the 6MWT. Predicted HRmax was 79.22% in the 6MWT, 78% in the ISWT and 62.62% in the ESWT. Fourteen patients presented saturation Conclusion: The 6MWT proved maximum test behavior for this population, but only a functional capacity deficit was verified in the ISWT, according to the predictive equations.