Title:Submaximal Field Walking Tests Applied in the Cardiopulmonary Assessment in Congenital Heart Diseases: A Systematic Review
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Author(s): Amanda da Silva, Alexia Nadine Puel, Priscilla Moretto, Ana Inês Gonzáles and Anelise Sonza*
Affiliation:
- Human Movement Sciences Graduate Program, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Rua Pascoal Simone,
358, CEP 88080350, Florianopolis - SC - Brazil
- Physical Therapy Graduate Program, Universidade do Estado de
Santa Catarina, Rua Pascoal Simone, 358, CEP 88080350, Florianopolis - SC - Brazil
Keywords:
Child, pediatrics, congenital heart disease, heart defects, congenital, field walking test, walk test.
Abstract:
Introduction: Submaximal field walking tests are easy to apply and low cost, but it is
necessary to standardize their application, especially in the pediatric population. The feasibility
and its use in patients with congenital heart disease have been studied. The goal of this study was
to verify which are the submaximal field walking tests applied in the cardiopulmonary assessment
of children and adolescents with CHD and to verify if they are being performed as recommended
by the standardization protocols/guidelines.
Methods: Literature review through a search in six electronic databases, structured in PICO format,
without date restrictions. Looking for studies that used submaximal field walking tests in children
and adolescents with congenital heart disease aged 5 to 18 years. Methodological quality, effectiveness
and safety and risk of bias were assessed.
Results: Five studies met the eligibility criteria with a sample of 160 individuals with congenital
heart disease, and all used the six-minute walk test. Note that different methodologies and modifications
are used. Only the clinical trial showed good methodological quality.Four studies had low
risk of bias and one study had moderate risk.
Conclusion: Although the six-minute walk test is the only test used as a field test found in our research,
there is no standardization in the application of the test, making it difficult to compare the
results. In this sense, reducing the limitations and heterogeneity in the application of the test will
enable more concrete outcomes and facilitate their reproduction in clinical practice.
