Assessing the Reliability and Validity of the 6-minute Stepper Test to Measure Exercise Capacity in Adults with Peripheral Artery Disease

What this Trial Is About

Peripheral artery disease PAD affects blood flow to the limbs and can cause problems like low muscle oxygen, balance issues, pain during walking, weak leg muscles, and stiff arteries. These problems reduce exercise ability and increase health risks. The study aims to check if the six-minute stepper test 6 MST, a simple and low-cost exercise test, is accurate and consistent for measuring exercise ability in people with PAD. It also looks at how factors like arterial stiffness, muscle oxygen, pain, balance, and muscle strength influence the 6 MST results. Participants with PAD will undergo several assessments including the 6 MST, cardiopulmonary exercise test CPET, and six-minute walk test 6 MWT to compare exercise capacity measures. The 6 MST will be repeated after 24 hours to test consistency. Additional tests will measure arterial stiffness, muscle oxygen levels, leg muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and pain related to walking. Participants health data and lung function will also be recorded. During the study, participants will complete these tests and questionnaires to evaluate how their condition affects exercise ability. Measurements will be taken at regular intervals throughout the study, which lasts about one year. Researchers will analyze the results to understand the relationship between physical factors and exercise capacity, helping improve how exercise tests are used for people with PAD.

Validity and Reliability of the 6-minute Stepper Test in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease