Comparison of predicted and covered distances in the incremental shuttle walking test in older adults

ABSTRACT Our study aimed to evaluate the external validity of three reference equations for estimating the distance to be covered in the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) by older adults and to identify which equation best predicts the distance for this age group. In total, 84 older adults registered in the Health Centers of Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were selected. The volunteers were subjected to the ISWT and the distance covered, in meters, until the interruption of the test was recorded and compared with the prediction equations. The volunteers had a mean age of 73.15±5.89 years and some health problems common to this age group, were mostly women, and physically active. Statistical analysis showed an interaction between the factors, that is, a difference between the distances covered the ISWT and the distances obtained by the equations. The analysis showed a difference between the men and women (p