Introduction: The incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) may be a valuable tool for measuring exercise capacity in the post-COVID population; but, the feasibility, safety, and repeatability, of the ISWT are unknown in this cohort.

Aim: Determine the feasibility, safety, and repeatability, of the ISWT in adults 5 months post-hospital discharge for COVID-19.

Methods: 1358 patients (57 ± 12 y; BMI: 32.2 ± 7.1 kg/m²; 518 [38%] female) attended a research visit for a multicentre long-term follow up study (PHOSP-COVID) 5 months post-hospital discharge for COVID-19. Physiological measures (e.g. heart rate [HR] and blood pressure) were recorded before patients were asked to perform an ISWT. Reasons for test termination were noted. After a ~20 min rest, 906 patients performed a second ISWT.

Results: 1351 patients (>99%) performed an ISWT. Six patients (0.4%) had an adverse event, none required medical treatment. The most common reasons contributing to test termination were breathlessness (n; %: 715; 52.9%), walking pace (396; 29.3%), and leg fatigue (368; 27.2%). Distance walked was greater in the second ISWT (468 ± 267 m) compared to the first ISWT (440 ± 249 m; p=0.01), with a high coefficient of repeatability (±203 m; Figure 1).

Conclusion: The ISWT is feasible and safe in post-COVID survivors. A practice test is recommended, with further study needed to understand ISWT repeatability in this patient cohort.

[figure2]