Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Six-minute step test (6MST) evaluates exercise capacity through the climbing-steps activity. The analysis of kinetics is important because it can reflect the health condition, as well as the performance, prognosis, and possible adjustments in the training of the individual. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the kinetics and the 6MST in healthy men. METHODS: This is an observational study. 6MST was based on the criteria of the American Thoracic Society. The variables ventilatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic were obtained using a gas-analyzer Oxycon Mobile® system (Mijnhardt/Jäger, Germany). The mathematical model used to adjust the kinetic response in the rest-exercise transition (240 seconds of rest + 360 seconds of exercise) and in the exercise-recovery, transition (360 seconds of exercise + 360 seconds of rest). RESULTS: 11 participants completed all evaluations and tests. The performance in the first and second test was 215±40 and 216±43 steps (p=0.92). On and off kinetic of 6MST was reliable as shown by the Bland-Altman plots and the good ICC [Mean Response Time (MRT) on-kinetic, with ICC = 0.6 (95% = 0.20-0.89) and MRT off-kinetic, with ICC = 0.4 (95% = 0.57-0.69)]. The Bland Altman plot indicating that there is homoscedasticity distribution for all three plots (MRT on-kinetic, MRT off-kinetic, and first and second 6MST. CONCLUSION: The 6MST proved to be reproducible to evaluate the performance and the ?on? and ?off?-kinetic parameters were reproducible. In this sense, the step test can be a low-cost instrument to assess the aerobic capacity of healthy men.