Reference Values for Incremental Shuttle Walk Test in healthy Indian Children and Adolescents

Purpose : Early identification of physical inactivity in children and adolescents using a simple reliable test like Incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) can aid in prescription of evidence based early interventional programs to enhance cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. Methods : Thousand participants recruited for study were stratified into 3 biological age groups-Group A: 5-8 years, Group B: 9-12 years and Group C: 13-17 years. Anthropometric measures were recorded and ISWT was performed as per standard protocol across a 10-meter shuttle walkway. Results: Incremental shuttle walk distance was greater in males compared to females in all age groups(ISWD Group 1 females 395.36m, ISWD Group 2 females 492.16m,ISWD Group 3 females 582.22m (p= 0.00), ISWD Group 1 males 414.22m, ISWD Group 2 males 536.71m and ISWD Group 3 males 698.62m(p=0.00) ISWD demonstrated significant positive correlation with age (r=0.491, p=0.00) and weak negative correlation with gender (r-0.123,p=0.00).Stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to generate a predicative equation for ISWD with age and gender model ISWD (r 2 = 0.611). ISWD = 168.23 + (232.93*Height) - (86.47*Gender) + (11.42*Age) (Males 1, Females 0) Conclusion: Reference values generated for ISWD can be used for prescription and regular monitoring of cardio pulmonary endurance of children and adolescents.