Reliability and validity of an audio signal modified shuttle walk test

Reliability and Accuracy of 2-Minute Step Test in Active and Sedentary Lean Adults

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2-minute step test (2MST) in active and sedentary lean adults and to identify the test cutoff point to differentiate active from sedentary individuals.

METHODS

This observational study involved 4 mixed-sex groups (each with 50 lean participants): group 1, sedentary and aged 18 to 24 years; group 2, active and aged 18 to 24 years; group 3, sedentary and aged 25 to 44 years; and group 4, active and aged 25 to 44 years. The 2MST was administered independently by 2 examiners (with 3 months' training) at 2 different times, with a 7-day interval. Habitual physical activity was evaluated by means of the Baecke Questionnaire (BQ). In statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to verify the correlation between the 2MST and BQ; intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_2,3) were used to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2MST; and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the accuracy of the 2MST.

RESULTS

Excellent intrarater and interrater reliability were found for all 4 groups (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.83). Correlating the 2MST score with the BQ score, a significant, positive, weak correlation was observed (r = 0.344, P < .001). For differentiating active from sedentary individuals, the 2MST showed low accuracy (area under the curve = 0.671), with 61% sensitivity and 67% specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the 2MST is a reliable test with a low amount of inherent error. There was a significant correlation between the 2MST and usual physical activity measured, and slight accuracy in differentiating active from sedentary individuals.

Eight-week equipment-based Pilates exercises positively affects quality of life, and functional capacity in non-active adult women: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The Pilates exercises are popular for muscle conditioning among women. However, the effects on conditioning of healthy non-active adult women due to Pilates practicing are not fully explained. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effects of equipment-based Pilates exercises on the percentage of body fat, weight, body mass index (BMI), functional capacity, and quality of life of adult healthy women.

METHODS

Seventy-eight non-active women were randomly assigned to 2 groups (Pilates or Control). The Pilates group performed a total of 16 exercise sessions (60 minutes each, performed twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks). The control group was instructed to perform no exercise. Percentage of body fat (DXA scans), weight, BMI, distance covered in the incremental shuttle walk test, maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2max</inf>), and quality of life (SF-36 scores) were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group differences at baseline, but significant group-by-time interaction was observed for Pilates group postintervention. Higher distance covered (P=0.01), VO<inf>2max</inf> (P=0.04), and quality of life (P=0.04) were observed after the intervention compared to the control group. No differences were observed for body composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Two months of equipment-based Pilates training improved functional capacity and quality of life in healthy adult women.