Is Exercise Prescription Based on Incremental Shuttle Walking Test Results Appropriate?

Abstract

[Purpose] To confirm the agreement between exercise intensity levels determined using predictive equations based on Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT) results as part of exercise therapy and actual exercise loads. [Participants and Methods] We conducted the ISWT for 28 healthy young participants, and calculated their 70% oxygen consumption (VO₂) levels using a relevant predictive equation for the test. They performed a constant load test task at exercise intensity levels requiring 70%VO₂ under 3 different conditions: (1) on an ISWT course, (2) on a circular course, and (3) using a treadmill. [Results] When regarding the VO₂ max level during the ISWT as 100%, the participants’ VO₂ levels during the constant load test, representing their actual exercise loads, were approximately 80% under condition-(1) and approximately 70% under conditions-(2) and -(3). [Conclusion] The results suggest that courses without steep turns are more desirable for exercise therapy at exercise intensity levels requiring 70%VO₂, determined using predictive equations based on walking distances in the ISWT.