Saving Time for Patients with Moderate to Severe COPD: Endurance Test Speed Set Using Usual and Fast Walk Speeds.

: For assessing the effects of interventions on exercise tolerance, the tolerable duration (t) of a high-intensity constant-speed endurance test is recommended. The test intensity is determined by the test speed () which should be individualized to target a t of 3 to 15 minutes. We determined the accuracy of setting the to achieve a targeted t of 3 to 15 minutes using the participant's easily measured and non-fatiguing usual () and fast () walk speeds. : Participants with COPD were asked to walk at their and walk speeds to establish their and . This required that they walk for less than 1 minute. The individualized was calculated from a previously developed equation (0.57 x [ - ]) + . Participants then completed a constant-speed endurance test, walking at this calculated to intolerance, to determine if the resultant t occurred within 3 to 15 minutes. : Twenty-nine participants (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV] standard deviation [SD ]=43 [25] %predicted; FEV to forced vital capacity [FVC]ratio= 41 [13]%; = 57.3 [10.4] meters per minute (m·min ); = 71.7 [10.7] m·min) completed the study. During testing, 24 (83%) participants used supplemental oxygen and 16 (55%) used a walking aid. The derived was 65.6 [10.3] m·min with the observed t of 6.0 [5.0] minute. Twenty-four of 29 (83 %) endurance tests were within 3 to 15 minutes. : Using the usual and fast walk speeds provides a simple, quick, inexpensive method for clinicians to set an acceptable endurance walk speed.