Electrocardiogram changes during initial incremental shuttle walk tests (ISWT) in adults patients commencing cardiac rehabilitation in a single UK centre: a retrospective case note review.

The incremental shuttle walk test is a submaximal exercise test used as an assessment of functional capacity in patients prior to cardiac rehabilitation. The safety of the test has not been extensively explored. Simultaneous electrocardiogram measurements during this test would provide important information on both the safety of the test, and adequacy of subsequent cardiac risk stratification. However, it is rarely undertaken in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to investigate the safety of the incremental shuttle walk test by exploring the incidence of electrocardiogram changes during the test, and to report on the possible impact of these findings on cardiac risk stratification.