Abstract
BACKGROUND: The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a well-established functional exercise capacity test in lung transplant candidates. This study aimed to investigate the construct validity of the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-min STS) as a marker of exercise capacity and knee extensor strength in lung transplantation candidates.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from consecutive subjects referred for lung transplantation evaluation to our institution between 2015 and 2018.
RESULTS: 38 subjects were included. We found strong correlations between the normalized 1-min STS and 6MWT (r = 0.79, P < .001) and moderate correlations between 1-min STS and knee extensor strength (r = 0.53, P = .001) and between 6MWT and knee extensor strength (r = 0.44, P = .008). The 1-min STS elicited greater dyspnea (P = .008) and lower oxygen desaturation compared to the 6MWT (P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS: The 1-min STS is a valid functional exercise capacity test in lung transplantation candidates. Due to its ease of application, clinical practitioners may consider using the 1-min STS in situations when the 6MWT cannot be performed. Our pilot study may stimulate future research, including a head-to-head comparison between the 6MWT and 1-min STS in a large patient cohort including post-lung transplantation-monitoring.
- lung transplant candidates
- functional exercise capacity
- construct validity
- sit-to-stand test
- walk tests
- lower limb strength
Introduction
Evaluation of individuals with end-stage chronic lung disease for lung transplantation is a multimodal and interprofessional procedure, and functional exercise capacity testing is recommended.1 Several different tests to assess exercise capacity and select candidates for lung transplantation are available, of which the 6-min walk test (6MWT) is the most commonly applied.1 The 6MWT, a submaximal exercise test, predicts survival in lung transplantation candidates, preferably in combination with other measures, such as the BODE index (body mass index, obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise).1 However, the 6MWT requires space (ie, a 30-m hallway) and time, and it is very sensitive to changes in methodology such as supplemental oxygen, track layout and length, and especially variation in verbal instructions.2
Growing evidence suggests that the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-min STS) is an easily applicable and time-saving alternative to assess exercise capacity, and it allows the assessment of individuals in need of segregation due to multidrug-resistant airway pathogens. The 1-min STS is a valid, responsive, and reliable test in individuals with various respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis and COPD.3,4 In COPD, 1-min STS performance is a strong and independent predictor of 2-y and 5-y mortality.5
The 6MWT and 1-min STS measure different aspects of exercise capacity, but both tests yield significant correlations with knee extensor muscle strength.6 In individuals with COPD, cystic fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease, moderate to strong correlations between both tests and knee extensor strength have been reported,3,7,8 indicating that the 1-min STS could be a simple tool to assess functional capacity, particularly in settings where a 6MWT cannot be performed. To date, the 1-min STS has not been compared to the 6MWT in the heterogeneous population of lung transplantation candidates with end-stage pulmonary disease and peripheral muscle weakness.
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the construct validity of the 1-min STS as a marker of functional exercise capacity and knee extensor strength in lung transplantation candidates. We further wanted to compare sensations of dyspnea and leg fatigue, as well as heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) responses between these testing modalities.
QUICK LOOK
Current knowledge
The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a well-established functional capacity test in lung transplant candidates. However, it is time-consuming and sensitive to variation in methodology. Growing evidence suggests the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-min STS) as an applicable and time-saving alternative to assess exercise capacity in various respiratory conditions.
What this paper contributes to our knowledge
The 1-min STS was a valid functional exercise capacity test in subjects with end-stage lung disease. The 1-min STS elicited greater dyspnea and leg fatigue compared to the 6MWT, despite fewer episodes of oxygen desaturation and comparable heart rate responses. Application of the 1-min STS in lung transplantation candidates in clinical practice may be considered as a available measure of functional exercise capacity.
Methods
Study Population
We retrospectively analyzed data from subjects referred for lung transplantation evaluation to the University Hospital Zurich, in Zurich, Switzerland, between June 2015 and February 2018. All subjects underwent a standardized assessment procedure, including measurement of functional exercise capacity (eg, 6MWT, 1-min STS, and knee extensor strength) following standard clinical practice. Subjects provided written informed consent through a general research agreement. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Canton of Zurich (KEK-ZH 2017-00871).
Measurements
Functional capacity tests were performed on the same day and in the following order: (1) 6MWT, (2) knee extension strength, and (3) 1-min STS. Adequate rest was provided between the tests, allowing SpO2 and heart rate to return to pre-exercise values. The amount of oxygen supplementation, if required, was kept equal during the 6MWT and 1-min STS, respectively.
The 6MWT was performed according to technical standards set up by the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS).9 In brief, the test was performed on a marked 30-m indoor track, and subjects were told to walk as far as possible within 6 min. The walking distance was registered at the end of the test. Subjects were allowed to take breaks during the test if needed; however, time was not interrupted. Standardized instructions and phrases of encouragement were given each minute. Oxygen supplementation was provided if required, and subjects carried their own oxygen device during the test. Walk distance is presented in meters and expressed as percent of predicted.10 Before and after the test, heart rate, and SpO2 were measured with a pulse oximeter (Masimo Rad-5v, Masimo, Irvine, California) connected to the index finger. Ratings of perceived exertion and dyspnea were evaluated by means of a 0–10 Borg scale.11
Knee extension strength was measured with handheld dynamometry (MicroFET2, Hoggan Industries, West Jordan, Utah) using the break technique.12 Measurements were performed by trained staff using a standardized protocol. Monthly training sessions were held to ensure standardized assessments between the assessors and to acquire high-quality data. Three reproducible measurements were performed, and the highest value was used for analysis. Results were expressed as force measurements in Newtons.
The 1-min STS was performed using a standardized protocol3,13,14 on a conventional chair with no armrests and a seat height of 46 cm. For safety reasons, the chair was positioned against a wall. The subjects were instructed to stand up and sit down as often as possible at a self-chosen speed for 1 min, and the number of sit-to-stand repetitions was counted. Verbal encouragement was not provided during the test, but subjects were informed when 15 s were left until the test terminated at 60 s.3,4,13,14 Subjects were allowed to stop at any time during the test. A repetition was defined as the legs being completely straight at the end of the stand-up phase, and the bottom had to have clear contact with the chair when sitting down. Subjects were told to place their hands at the hips and were not allowed to use their hands or arms to assist movement. Measurements of heart rate, SpO2, and Borg were performed before and after the 1-min STS using the same assessment tools as for the 6MWT. The number of 1-min STS repetitions were expressed as percent of predicted values according to Strassmann et al.14
Allometric scaling was used to account for the effect of body weight on 6MWT and 1-min STS performance,15 as well as knee extensor strength.15–19 We used an allometric parameter of −0.33 for the 1-min STS and the 6MWT, and a parameter of 0.67 for knee extensor strength.15–17
Statistical Analysis
Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare the results between the 1-min STS and the 6MWT exercise tests and knee extensor strength. The strength of correlation was expressed according to published recommendations.20 Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare pre-post exercise changes in dyspnea and leg fatigue, SpO2, and heart rate between the 1-min STS and the 6MWT. Oxygen desaturation was defined as a drop of ≥ 4% in SpO2 comparing pre- and post-test values.21 Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 25 (IBM Armonk, New York).
Results
Fifty-one subjects participated in the lung transplantation evaluation. Of those, 38 had complete 1-min STS, 6MWT, and knee extensor strength data. Thirteen subjects did not perform all functional capacity tests and were excluded for the following reasons: 6MWT (n = 6 for severe breathlessness, n = 2 for pain in lower extremities during walking); knee extensor strength (n = 4 for pain or orthopedic problems in the lower extremities); 1-min STS (n = 1 for pain during sit-to-stand movement). The study sample consisted of subjects with interstitial lung disease (47%), COPD (37%), and cystic fibrosis (16%). Baseline characteristics are presented in Table 1.
We found strong correlations between the non-normalized values of the 1-min STS and the 6MWT (r = 0.71, P < .001) and moderately strong correlations between the 1-min STS and knee extensor strength (r = 0.53, P = .001) and between the 6MWT and knee extensor strength (r = 0.53, P = .001) (Fig. 1). When expressed in normalized values, correlations between the 1-min STS and the 6MWT were strong (r = 0.79, P < .001), whereas correlations were moderate between the 1-min STS and knee extensor strength (r = 0.53, P = .001) and between the 6MWT and knee extensor strength (r = 0.44, P = .008) (Fig. 1).
Significant increases in heart rate, dyspnea, and leg fatigue were observed during the 1-min STS and the 6MWT, respectively (all P < 0.001). Further, SpO2 decreased significantly during the 1-min STS and 6MWT (P < 0.001).
In direct comparison, the 1-min STS elicited significantly greater dyspnea (P = .008) and leg fatigue (P = .004) compared to the 6MWT. The change in SpO2 from pre- to post-exercise was significantly lower after the 1-min STS compared to the 6MWT (P < .001). Oxygen desaturation (ie, change in SpO2 ≥ 4%) was found in 29 (77%) subjects during the 1-min STS, and in 35 (92%) subjects during the 6MWT. The 1-min STS induced no oxygen desaturation in 7 (18%) subjects, in whom the 6MWT did; conversely, the 1-min STS induced oxygen desaturation in 1 (3%) subject in whom the 6MWT did not (Table 2). No significant difference between the tests was observed in heart rate responses (P = .241).
Discussion
This is the first study to evaluate the construct validity of the 1-min STS as a measure of functional exercise capacity in lung transplantation candidates. We found a strong positive correlation between the 1-min STS and the 6MWT, which suggests that the 1-min STS may be a useful and easily applicable functional capacity test in patients with end-stage lung disease. The observed correlations between the 1-min STS and 6MWT (r = 0.79) are within the range of those previously reported in subjects with COPD (r = 0.47–0.86),3,6 and higher than those reported in subjects with interstitial lung disease (r = 0.50).8 Differences in study population characteristics (eg, age, sex, lung disease severity), sample size, as well as testing and normalization methodology may explain the differences in correlation strength between studies.
Despite the fact that our subjects had end-stage lung disease (mean FEV1 31% predicted), 1-min STS performance was comparable to previous studies in subjects with COPD and interstitial lung disease with better lung function.3,8,22,23 Previous work in subjects with COPD suggests that greater age and dyspnea level, low physical activity, female sex, long-term oxygen treatment, and quadriceps muscle strength are associated with lower 1-min STS performance.23,24 Thus, the degree of airway obstruction may not necessarily affect 1-min STS performance substantially per se.
Interestingly, our subjects (of whom 50% had interstitial lung disease) experienced greater dyspnea and leg fatigue after the 1-min STS compared to the 6MWT, despite lower rates of oxygen desaturation and comparable heart rate responses. These observations are in line with those reported in subjects with interstitial lung disease.8 Greater perception of leg fatigue after the 1-min STS was also observed in subjects with COPD and was hypothesized to result from eccentric muscle contractions during the stand-to-sit phase.3
The 1-min STS is a responsive test3,4,23 and is able to quantify changes in functional exercise capacity after pulmonary rehabilitation, similar to the 6MWT.3,23 This makes the 1-min STS attractive for pulmonary rehabilitation settings. Although these tests measure different aspects of functional exercise capacity, both rely heavily on quadriceps muscle strength.25,26 The major advantage of the 1-min STS compared to the 6MWT is that the test requires less time and space and has a better feasibility for testing patients in need of isolation treatment due to the risk of cross-infections, such in the case of cystic fibrosis. Accordingly, the 1-min STS may be a useful and quickly available tool for general practitioners referring subjects for lung transplantation evaluation. In those settings, performance of a 6MWT according to the ATS/ERS technical standard guidelines9 is frequently not feasible due to limited space availabilities.
It is important to note that, at this stage, the 1-min STS cannot replace the established use of the 6MWT in lung transplantation candidates, which is currently part of the Lung Allocation Score in the United States.27 However, it may offer an attractive and easily applicable alternative when time and space are limited in clinical settings. Our findings provide an interesting basis for the application of the 1-min STS in rehabilitation settings. The test does not appear to provoke increased risks compared to the 6MWT because it involves similar hemodynamic stress but a shorter testing time and less oxygen desaturation than the 6MWT. Although the 1-min STS is an easily applicable test to screen for oxygen desaturation, the 6MWT likely provides more accurate information on changes in pre-post exercise SpO2. It is possible that we underestimated the change in SpO2 during the 6MWT because we did not continuously measure SpO2 during the 6MWT, as previously recommended.9 Previous research has shown that the lowest SpO2 does not always occur at the end of exercise.9 In contrast, continuous SpO2 measurements during the 1-min STS are hampered by movement artifacts,13 and our group has recently shown that the lowest SpO2 often occurs during the first minute after the sit-to-stand exercise.3,13 To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the prognostic value of oxygen desaturation during the 1-min STS, as previously reported for the 6MWT.28
In our study, the 1-min STS and the 6MWT showed similar correlations with knee extensor strength. Previous work in subjects with cystic fibrosis29 and COPD7 with a broad range of disease severity found no correlations between the 1-min STS and quadriceps muscle force measured with the same handheld dynamometry device as that used in our study when using absolute values,7 and moderately strong correlations when expressed as a product of body weight.29 However, another study using the same device and measurement technique reported correlations similar to ours in subjects with moderate COPD.23 Further studies in individuals with COPD3,30 and cystic fibrosis31 using different devices have reported correlations similar to ours. We can only speculate on the underlying reasons for the differences between the studies. Generalized interpretation of measurements of functional exercise capacity should ideally be made with adjustments to body mass, independent of the population under study.9,15,18,19,32 If adjustments for body mass are taken into account, correlations between the 1-min STS and knee extensor strength appear to attenuate.29 Additionally, limb length may be considered through the assessment of torque instead of force. In our study, the moment arm of the knee extensor was not assessed, and normalization with respect to limb length was not possible. Furthermore, due to the well-known learning effect for the 6MWT, 2 tests are recommended and the test with the longest walking distance should be used as a measure of functional capacity.9 At our institution, lung transplantation candidates usually perform only one walking test as part of the lung transplantation listing assessments. However, because our subjects were familiar with the 6MWT in the clinical setting, learning effects can be ruled out.
In summary, functional exercise capacity seems to rely consistently on lower limb strength in end-stage pulmonary disease and could accordingly provide a simple means to measure and monitor peripheral muscle (dys)function as part of pre- and post-lung transplantation rehabilitation programs.
This is a small-sized exploratory study. Our data need to be confirmed in larger patient populations undergoing lung transplantation evaluation. Further research should investigate the prognostic value of the 1-min STS in lung transplantation candidates along with a head-to-head comparison to the 6MWT. To date, comparisons of the 2 tests after lung transplantation are not available; however, such comparisons may provide further insights into the diagnostic value of functional exercise capacity assessments in lung transplantation candidates.
Conclusions
The 1-min STS is a valid test in patients with end-stage lung disease. Due to its ease of application, medical practitioners may consider using the 1-min STS in situations when the 6MWT cannot be performed (eg, time limitations, or limited space availability). Because the 1-min STS causes less oxygen desaturation than the 6MWT and comparable heart rate responses compared to the 6MWT, it may be considered a safe test in patients with end-stage lung disease.
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Thomas Radtke PhD, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland. E-mail: thomas.radtke{at}uzh.ch.
The authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
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