Respuesta fisiológica al test de lanzadera en pacientes candidatos a cirugía bariátrica

Abstract

Objective: Exercise tolerance measurement is key for exercise prescription in bariatric surgery candidates. Thus, the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) has been proposed as a useful tool for this purpose. However, reports describing the performance, and related physiological response, in candidates to bariatric surgery are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the physiological response of bariatric surgery candidates to the ISWT. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 56 participants. Anthropometric factors such as age, weight, height, and waist circumference were measured, as well as their spontaneous physical activity levels. Their ISWT performance was recorded, as well as the percentage of heart rate reserve used during the test, systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse oximetry, perceived exertion scale, and lower extremities fatigue, both before and after the ISWT. Results: All participants completed the test without complications. They walked a median of 465 meters, 61% of the expected distance. Heart rate reserve utilization reached 56%, while the perceived exertion rate and lower extremities fatigue reached 7/10 and 6/10, respectively. Moreover, significant associations between the ISWT performance vs anthropometric factors and physiological response outcomes were found. Conclusion: The ISWT is a safe and useful tool to assess exercise tolerance in bariatric surgery candidates, which induces physiological responses associated to moderate effort intensities. We suggest including the ISWT when assessing the physical performance of bariatric surgery candidates.