BACKGROUND : The incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and six-minute walk test (6MWT) assess cardiorespiratory endurance in sedentary populations, with the ISWT being externally paced and the 6MWT self-paced. This study aimed to evaluate whether both tests produce comparable cardiorespiratory responses. METHODS : 100 healthy sedentary adults (18–59 years) from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital completed both tests. Outcomes measured included distance traveled, maximal heart rate (HRmax), and Borg scale scores (rating of perceived exertion [RPE], dyspnea, and leg fatigue). RESULTS : Of 100 sedentary adults (25 men, 75 women), the ISWT resulted in significantly longer walking distances (p<0.001), higher post-test Borg dyspnea scores (median [interquartile range]: 2 [1–3]) versus 1 [0–2]; p = 0.024), and the higher HRmax (70.9 [9.2%] bpm versus 67.9 [10.9%] bpm; p = 0.004) compared to the 6MWT. No significant differences were observed in other parameters, and Bland–Altman analysis revealed no proportional bias for Borg leg fatigue scores (p = 0.561). CONCLUSIONS In healthy sedentary adults, the 6MWT and ISWT showed no agreement in distance traveled, Borg dyspnea scale scores, or HRmax, but they agreed on Borg leg fatigue scores.
exercise test ; exercise tolerance ; incremental shuttle walk test ; physical fitness ; six-minute walk test