Validation of the two minutes step test as a predictor of aerobic capacity in institutionalized elderly for neurological rehabilitation

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use, statistical validity, and sensitivity, of the two minute step test as predictor of aerobic capacity in institutionalized elderly for neurological rehabilitation. Method: An observational type study of 60 subjects between the age group of 60-94 was carried out, the data analysis was done on the basis of normative values calculated for each age group and we compared heart rate, oxygen saturation and perceived exertion obtained during performance of 2MST with those obtained during the 6MWT. Results: According to the age group, normal values of steps were correlated with the two-minute step test. The more number of steps performed during the two-minute step test was associated with higher values of peak oxygen consumption. Comparing 2MST and 6MWT in 60 subjects for validity, r=0.935 (P<0.0001). They were statistically equivalent in heart rate (97 ± 4 and 95 ± 4 bpm), oxygen saturation (97 ± 0.5 and 96 ± 0.6%), rating of perceived exertion (13.6 ± 0.4 and 12.4 ± 0.4), and blood pressure (130 ± 4/62 ± 3 and 128 ± 3/62 ± 2 mmHg), (mean ± SE, 2MST and 6MWT, respectively). Sensitivity of the 2MST was high, based both on the number of steps achieved by inpatients (37 ± 13 steps, mean ± SD), and healthy subjects (54 ± 18 steps) (P<0.001), Results suggest that two minute step test has potential as one of the vital tool for aerobic and physical capacity in elderly population which in turn could be a major indicator for the neurological rehabilitation protocols. Conclusion: Although the benefits of two-minutes step test as indicator for aerobic and physical capacity in elderly looks promising, general guidelines for the clinical use of two-minutes step test and its normative values is difficult to make. Future research should explore the normative values for different populations, factors affecting the use of two-minute step test, effects of two-minute step test alone on various systems without in combination with other tests.