Year: 2025 | Month: July-September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 34-42
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250305
Effect of Various Functional Capacity Tests on Cardiorespiratory Parameters – A Brief Review
Mrinalee Jain1, Dr. Gitanjali Sikka2, Dr. Shaveta3
1Post Graduate Student, College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
2Associate Professor, College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
3Associate professor, Department of Medicine, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Corresponding Author: Mrinalee Jain
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major global health burden, emphasizing the need for effective assessments of functional fitness to prevent risk and optimize intervention strategies. Traditional methods such as the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) are widely used, but alternative tests may offer efficient, space-conscious options. This review evaluates functional capacity tests, including the 2-Minute Step Test (2MST), 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), 3-Minute Walk Test (3MWT), and various Sit-to-Stand (STS) protocols, to assess their validity, responsiveness, and clinical applicability.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the reliability and practicality of submaximal functional capacity tests as alternatives to the 6MWT, with a focus on their correlation with cardiorespiratory fitness, mobility, and endurance across diverse populations.
METHOD: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate. Relevant keywords included "2MST," "2MWT," "3MWT," "STS tests," and "cardiorespiratory parameters." Studies were evaluated based on research design, outcome measures, correlation coefficients, and limitations.
RESULTS: Findings indicate that STS tests effectively assess functional impairment in COPD patients, with high reliability in haemodialysis populations. The 2MST correlates strongly with mobility and endurance markers and serves as a practical substitute for the 6MWT in space-constrained environments. Shorter walk tests, such as 2MWT and 3MWT, demonstrate predictive value for VO₂ max and functional decline in chronic disease patients.
CONCLUSION: Different type of functional tests provides valuable, and measurable assessment of functional capacity across diverse cohorts. Their strong correlation with the 6MWT supports their integration into clinical practice, enhancing patient evaluations, rehabilitation strategies, and preventive interventions for cardiovascular and respiratory health.
Keywords: 2MST, 2MWT, 3MWT, 10STST, 60STST, and cardiorespiratory parameters.