Shuttle Walking Test to predict breathing problems after lung surgery

Predictive Value of the Shuttle Walking Test for Postoperative Dyspnea in Chronic Respiratory Disease Patients Undergoing Lung Resection: A Prospective Observational Study

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital · NCT07102589

This project will use a simple shuttle walking test before lung surgery to see if it predicts breathing problems and quality-of-life changes in people with chronic lung disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Bundang Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Seongnam-si, Not Required For This Country)
Trial IDNCT07102589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational study enrolling adults with chronic respiratory disease who are scheduled for lung resection. Participants will perform the incremental and endurance Shuttle Walking Tests (ISWT + ESWT) before surgery and complete dyspnea and EQ-5D questionnaires before and three months after the operation. Results will be compared with usual preoperative risk tools (such as DLCO or CPET when available) to determine whether SWT performance is associated with postoperative dyspnea and quality-of-life changes. The SWT is a simpler, lower-cost test that may be more widely available than standard exercise testing.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 40 or older with COPD, ILD, or bronchiectasis who are scheduled for lung resection and are able to perform the shuttle walking tests and complete questionnaires are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who cannot walk safely, cannot read Korean, decline participation, or are not undergoing lung resection are unlikely to benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the shuttle walking test could provide a low-cost way to identify patients at higher risk of persistent breathlessness or poorer quality of life after lung resection, helping clinicians plan care and counsel patients.

How similar studies have performed: The Shuttle Walking Test has been used successfully to measure exercise capacity and often correlates with CPET or DLCO, but using it specifically to predict postoperative dyspnea after lung resection is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \- Age ≥ 40 years
* Scheduled for surgical lung resection (e.g., for lung cancer or benign tumor)
* Diagnosis of chronic respiratory disease (COPD, ILD, or bronchiectasis)
* Able to perform Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT + ESWT) before surgery
* Able to complete pre- and postoperative symptom questionnaires (dyspnea, EQ-5D)

Exclusion Criteria:

* \- Illiteracy or inability to read study materials
* Inability to communicate in Korean
* Decline or withdraw consent
* Severe lower limb disability interfering with walking (e.g., fracture, paralysis)

Where this trial is running

Seongnam-si, Not Required For This Country

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: COPD, ILD, Bronchiectasis, Lung Cancer NOS, Dyspnea During Activity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.