Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety, reliability and acceptability of the modified incremental step test (MIST) supervised remotely via videoconferencing in adults with chronic respiratory disease. METHODS: Adults with chronic respiratory disease undertaking pulmonary rehabilitation were invited to undertake the MIST under two testing conditions: in-person supervision and remote supervision via video-conferencing. Test order was randomised. RESULTS: 38 participants (n = 18 Female; mean (SD) age 68 (10) years; 56% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) undertook two MIST evaluations. There was excellent agreement between tests for total step count (ICC(2,1) 0.93, 95%CI 0.86 to 0.96), despite higher counts with in-person supervision (MD 12 steps, 95%CI 1 to 24). There was very good agreement, and no difference between tests, for nadir oxygen saturation (ICC(2,1) 0.797, 95%CI 0.643 to 0.889) and peak heart rate (ICC(2,1) 0.782, 95%CI 0.620 to 0.880). Participant satisfaction with telehealth was high, and confidence was not different between testing conditions. There were no adverse events and remote testing was acceptable to participants. DISCUSSION: In this single centre cohort study MIST supervised remotely via video-conferencing was safe, reliable and acceptable to people with chronic respiratory disease.