Validation of a new step test for assessing physical function in hospitalized patients

A Cardiorespiratory Fitness Test for Acute Illness: Validity, Reliability, and Clinical Utility of Functional Incremental Stepping-in-Place Test

Observational University of Kentucky · NCT06853236

This study is trying out a new step test to see if it can accurately measure how well hospitalized patients are doing physically, especially in the ICU.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kentucky Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Boca Raton, Florida and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06853236 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multi-site observational study aims to validate the Functional-Incremental Stepping-in-place Test (F-IST) against the gold-standard cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in acutely hospitalized patients. The study will assess the test's validity and reliability, focusing on its ability to measure cardiorespiratory fitness and physical function in a clinical setting, particularly in the ICU. By identifying patients at risk of hospital-acquired functional decline, the study seeks to provide valuable prognostic data for in-hospital and post-acute interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include acutely hospitalized patients who are currently able to walk with or without assistance.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiopulmonary conditions or other severe health issues that prevent safe participation in physical testing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessment of physical function in hospitalized patients, potentially reducing the risk of long-term disability.

How similar studies have performed: While the F-IST is a novel approach, similar studies using incremental exercise tests have shown promise in assessing physical function in various patient populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

-Currently able to walk with or without a walking aid, such as a cane or walker or rollator

Exclusion Criteria:

Pregnancy

specifically related to cardiopulmonary testing

* A recent significant change in resting ECG
* Unstable angina
* Uncontrolled cardiac dysrhythmias causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise
* Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis
* Uncontrolled symptomatic heart failure
* Acute pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction
* Acute myocarditis or pericarditis
* Suspected or known dissecting aneurysm
* Acute systemic infection accompanied by fever, body aches, or swollen lymph glands
* Left Main Coronary Stenosis
* Moderate stenotic valvular heart disease
* Electrolyte abnormalities
* Severe arterial hypertension (\>200 systolic, \>110 diastolic) at rest
* Tachydysrhythmia or bradydysrhythmia
* Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other forms of outflow tract obstruction
* Neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, or rheumatic disorders that are exacerbated by exercise
* High degree AV block
* Ventricular aneurysm
* Uncontrolled metabolic disease (diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, or myxedema)
* Chronic infectious disease (hepatitis, AIDS, mono)
* Mental or physical impairment leading to inability to exercise adequately

Where this trial is running

Boca Raton, Florida and 1 other locations

Study contacts

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.
Conditions Intensive Care MedicineAcute Care MedicalCardio respiratory fitnessincremental step testvalidityreliabilityphysical functiongraded exercise testing
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.