FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE MODIFIED SHUTTLE TEST IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate factors associated with the performance of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Modified Shuttle Test (MST) and compare it with healthy children and adolescents.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study, with children and adolescents divided into two groups: cystic fibrosis (CFG) and control (CG). Variables evaluated in the MST: walking distance, test level, heart rate variation (∆Hr), post-test mean arterial pressure (MAP Pt) and peripheral oxygen saturation variation (∆SPO₂). Statistical analysis included Mann Whitney and Spearman coefficient tests, being significant p<0.05.

Results:

Sixty individuals aged 6-16 years old were evaluated. Anthropometric data was similar between groups. Differences between groups were shown for: baseline heart rate (BHr), peak heart rate (PHr), ∆Hr, recovery heart rate (RHr), post-test respiratory rate (PtBr), saturation variables, peripheral oxygen level (SpO₂B) and level test. The ∆Hr and MAP Pt had a moderate positive correlation with distance and level test for both groups (respectively: r=0.6 / p<0.001; r=0.6 / p<0.001). In CFG, the level test had a significant association (r=0.4 - p=0.02) with %FEV₁.

Conclusions:

Children with cystic fibrosis presented functional limitation in the Modified Shuttle Test, which was influenced by lung function.

Keywords:
Exercise test; Cystic fibrosis; Cardiorespiratory fitness; Respiratory physiological phenomena