Reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise test in healthy adults in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Objective:  To establish reference values for the Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise (UULEX) test, which measures peak arm exercise capacity, in healthy adults in Brazil.

Methods:  This was a cross-sectional study, involving presumably healthy individuals ≥ 30 years of age who completed questionnaires and underwent spirometry. All of the individuals underwent two UULEX tests 30-min apart. The outcome measure was the maximum time (in min) to completion of the test.

Results:  We included 100 individuals between 30 and 80 years of age. The mean test completion time was 11.99 ± 1.90 min among the women and 12.89 ± 2.15 min among the men (p = 0.03). The test completion time showed statistically significant correlations with age (r = −0.48; p < 0.001), gender (r = 0.28; p = 0.004), body mass index (BMI, r = −0.20; p = 0.05), and height (r = 0.28; p = 0.005). Linear regression analysis showed that the predictors of UULEX completion time were age (p = 0.000), BMI (p = 0.003), and gender (p = 0.019), which collectively explained 30% of the total variability. The mean UULEX completion time was 6% lower for the women than for the men.

Conclusions:  The present study was able to establish reference values for the UULEX test in healthy adults in Brazil. The values were influenced by age, gender, and BMI.

Keywords: Reference values; Exercise test; Upper extremity

RESUMO

Objetivo:  Estabelecer valores normativos para o teste Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise (UULEX), que mede o pico de exercício de membros superiores, em adultos saudáveis no Brasil.

Métodos:  Estudo transversal envolvendo indivíduos com idade ≥ 30 anos considerados saudáveis após serem submetidos a questionários e espirometria. Os indivíduos realizaram dois testes UULEX com intervalo de 30 min entre eles. A variável de desfecho foi o tempo máximo de realização do teste em min.

Resultados:  Foram incluídos 100 indivíduos com idade entre 30 e 80 anos. As médias de tempo de realização do teste foram de 11,99 ± 1,90 min e 12,89 ± 2,15 min em homens e mulheres, respectivamente (p = 0,03). Houve uma correlação estatisticamente significante entre o tempo de execução do UULEX e idade (r = −0,48; p < 0,001), sexo (r = 0,28; p = 0,004), índice de massa corpórea (IMC; r = −0,20; p = 0,05) e altura (r = 0,28; p = 0,005). A análise de regressão linear mostrou que as variáveis idade (p < 0,001), IMC (p = 0,003) e sexo (p = 0,019) são preditoras do UULEX, explicando 30% da variabilidade total no tempo de realização do teste. A média do tempo de realização do UULEX foi 6% menor nas mulheres que nos homens.

Conclusões:  O presente estudo foi capaz de fornecer valores normativos para o teste UULEX em adultos saudáveis no Brasil. Esses valores foram influenciados pela idade, sexo e IMC.

Descritores: Valores de referência; Teste de exercício; Extremidade superior

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral muscle dysfunction is one of the most common extrathoracic manifestations of COPD and has been associated with poor prognosis.¹ Studies have shown that a reduction in muscle mass and strength is a predictor of mortality^2,3 and a marker of exacerbation risk in COPD patients.⁴ The cause of peripheral muscle dysfunction is multifactorial, the main factors involved being physical inactivity, malnutrition, exacerbations, and corticosteroid use.⁵ Although leg muscles are more affected than are arm muscles,^5,6 COPD patients have great difficulty performing activities of daily living that involve the arms, especially those that involve unsupported arms. During such activities, there is an increase in oxygen consumption and greater use of the ventilatory reserve.⁷ In addition, there is thoracoabdominal asynchrony, a decrease in inspiratory capacity,^6,8 and an increase in the levels of lactic acid, worsening the sensation of dyspnea.⁹ Therefore, these individuals perform activities that involve the arms at a lower intensity compared with their healthy peers.¹⁰

Arm muscle training should be part of pulmonary rehabilitation programs.¹¹ Studies have shown an improvement in exercise capacity,^12,13 dyspnea,¹⁴ and arm function¹³ after a specific physical training program. A simple, inexpensive test that has been used to assess arm exercise capacity in clinical trials and rehabilitation programs is the Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise (UULEX) test.¹⁵ The UULEX test is a standardized symptom-limited incremental test that assesses peak unsupported arm exercise capacity.¹⁵ The movements made during the test reflect the arm movements made during daily tasks, which makes the test have great clinical application. This test is valid and reliable in COPD patients.^15,16

The UULEX test has the potential to be used even in healthy individuals. No ceiling effect has been reported and test-retest reliability is good in this population.¹⁷ Nevertheless, to date, no reference values have been established for the UULEX test in the Brazilian population. These values would help determine the degree of dysfunction and understand the problems related to activities of daily living that involve unsupported arms among individuals with COPD or other clinical conditions, such as orthopedic¹⁸ or neurological¹⁹ impairments. In addition, they would serve as parameters for assessment of response to pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

The objective of the present study was to establish reference values for the UULEX test in a sample of healthy adults in Brazil.

METHODS

This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG, Federal University of Minas Gerais) Department of Physical Therapy Laboratory for the Evaluation of and Research on Cardiopulmonary Performance, located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Participants were recruited through posters, electronic messages, and advertisements targeting the internal and external community of the UFMG. The inclusion criteria were as follows: being between 30 and 89 years of age; having no history of chronic disease; having no limitation of shoulder or arm movements that might impair test performance; having no symptomatic heart or lung disease; having normal spirometry results; being able to read and speak Portuguese; and reporting being healthy (a healthy person was defined as one who can perform his or her activities of daily living without limitations).²⁰ The exclusion criteria were as follows: having recently undergone a surgical procedure that prevented him or her from undergoing the study protocol; having a history of smoking; or being over 65 years of age and having a Mini-Mental State Examination score below 13 (for those who were illiterate), below 18 (for those with a low or medium level of education) or below 26 (for those with a high level of education).²¹

The study was approved by the UFMG Research Ethics Committee (CAAE no. 47887415.6.0000.5149). All participants gave written informed consent.

Measurement instruments

Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise test

The UULEX test was performed as described by Takahashi et al.¹⁵ To perform the test, the participant sat on a chair facing a board (120 cm in height × 84 cm in width) with eight 8-cm-wide color bands, which were 5 cm apart (Figure 1). The participant remained seated throughout the test. The first level was set at knee-height. The participant received a PVC tube weighing 0.2 kg. The test started with the participant warming up for 2 min, moving his or her arms from the pelvic girdle to the first level on the board, located at knee-height. After the warm-up period, the participant moved to the next level on the board (level 2), performing the same movement for 1 min. The level was changed every minute. When the maximum vertical height, that is, level 8 on the board, was reached, the 0.2-kg PVC tube was replaced by a 0.5-kg one and the participant should continue the exercise by moving the tube from the pelvic girdle to level 8 on the board, without stopping at the other levels, for 1 min. From this time point onward, the tube was replaced by a 0.5-kg heavier one every minute until a maximum of 2.0 kg was reached. The test was performed at a steady pace, at a metronome-controlled cadence of 30 bpm. Throughout the test, the participant was encouraged to continue the exercise as long as possible until exhaustion. Participants were not allowed to stop during the test; if this happened, the test was ended. The test interruption criteria were as follows: requesting to stop the test; not performing the full arc of motion; or being unable to keep up with the metronome pace. The maximum test duration was 15 min; if the volunteer completed 15 min of test, the test was ended. This value was chosen because the mean test duration was 14.21 min in a previous study of healthy individuals.²² The outcome measure was the maximum time (in min) to completion of the test, that is, a longer time equals a better result.

Figure 1
Volunteer performing the test.

Human Activity Profile

The Human Activity Profile (HAP) instrument has been cross-culturally adapted for use in Brazil.²³ The HAP is used to assess the level of physical activity in both healthy individuals and individuals with a medical condition. It consists of 94 items presented in ascending numerical order, from the lowest energy expenditure activity (1) to the highest energy expenditure activity (94). For each item, there are three possible answers: “I am currently able to perform the activity”; “I have stopped performing the activity”; or “I have never performed the activity”. From the answers given, a maximal activity score (MAS) is derived, representing the highest oxygen-demanding activity that the individual is still able to perform. Then, an adjusted activity score (AAS) is calculated by subtracting from the MAS the number of activities with lower energy requirements that the individual has stopped performing. According to the AAS, the participants were classified as inactive (AAS < 53 points), moderately active (53 ≤ AAS ≤ 74), or active (AAS > 74).²³

Body mass index

The body mass index (BMI) was calculated by the formula weight (kg)/height² (m²). Weight was measured with an anthropometric scale (Filizola, São Paulo, Brazil). Height was measured with the scale’s stadiometer. For this measurement, participants were placed in a standing position, barefoot, with the feet parallel, the heels together, and the arms hanging at the sides. The head was positioned so that the lower part of the eye socket was in the same plane as the outer ear hole. On the basis of the results, participants were classified in accordance with the Brazilian Guidelines for the Management of Obesity.²⁴

Pulmonary function

Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry (Koko spirometer; PDS Instrumentation Inc., Louisville, CO, USA). Spirometric measurements were performed by a qualified technician, in accordance with the American Thoracic Society standards.²⁵ FVC and FEV₁ were calculated from the flow-volume curve and were expressed as absolute values (in L) and as a percentage of predicted values. The FEV₁/FVC ratio was also recorded. The reference values used were those for the Brazilian population.²⁶

Procedures

Participants were evaluated on a single day. After written informed consent was obtained, demographic data, including gender, age, and anthropometric measurements, were collected. Participants were then administered the PAH questionnaire. Subsequently, to ensure that participants did not have lung disease, they underwent spirometry. After a 10-min rest period, the test session was started. All participants underwent two UULEX tests 30 min apart.

Statistical analysis

Sample size was calculated as recommended by Ceriotti et al.²⁷

Data are presented as means and standard deviations. Continuous variables were assessed for normality of distribution with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Bivariate associations were assessed with Pearson’s correlation test. Variables were selected for inclusion in the multiple linear regression model on the basis of correlation analysis. A value of p < 0.05 was used as the criterion for including a variable, and a value of p > 0.10 was used as the criterion for excluding it. The multiple linear regression model was built in a stepwise fashion. The final model was determined by the adjusted coefficient of determination (r²) and by statistical significance. The existence of multicollinearity was analyzed using variance inflation factors (> 0.2) and tolerance (< 5), and the distribution of residuals was tested for normality using Q-Q plots. To determine the lower limit of normal (LLN), the following formula was devised:

$LLN=valuepredictedbythelinearregressionequation-\left(1.64\times s\tan darderroroftheestimate\right)$

The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analyses were performed with the IBM SPSS Statistics software package, version 19.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

We included 100 individuals in the study, 52 of whom were male. The mean age was 55.87 ± 14.67 years, and the mean BMI was 26.59 ± 3.75 kg/m². All participants had normal pulmonary function. The spirometric values expressed as a percentage of predicted values were as follows: FVC = 95.12 ± 12.74%; FEV₁ = 94.38 ± 13.51%; and FEV₁/FVC ratio = 96.69 ± 8.30%. Seventy percent of the participants were classified as active by the PAH. Table 1 shows the anthropometric and demographic characteristics of the participants by gender and age group.

Table 1
Anthropometric and demographic characteristics of the 100 participants by gender and age group.^a

Gender Age group, years	n	Age, years	Height, m	Weight, kg	BMI, kg/m2	AAS
Women
31-40	8	33.00 ± 2.64	1.69 ± 0.08	69.62 ± 6.74	24.51 ± 3.46	90.00 ± 3.43
41-50	10	46.70 ± 2.62	1.63 ± 0.10	67.99 ± 11.09	25.39 ± 4.05	84.40 ± 8.27
51-60	9	54.67 ± 3.24	1.57 ± 0.44	66.00 ± 7.49	26.64 ± 3.08	75.11 ± 8.62
61-70	10	66.70 ± 2.26	1.55 ± 0.03	67.13 ± 10.21	27.69 ± 4.15	72.00 ± 10.70
71-80	11	76.00 ± 2.36	1.53 ± 0.07	69.23 ± 10.70	29.27 ± 3.65	73.73 ± 8.74
Men
31-40	11	35.73 ± 2.61	1.82 ± 0.09	87.69 ± 11.18	26.44 ± 2.45	88.73 ± 6.73
41-50	11	46.18 ± 2.72	1.72 ± 0.05	81.30 ± 4.86	27.46 ± 1.87	89.91 ± 4.34
51-60	11	56.45 ± 3.26	1.71 ± 0.07	76.11 ± 10.90	26.03 ± 3.43	83.82 ± 9.33
61-70	9	65.00 ± 3.50	1.71 ± 0.08	75.07 ± 23.25	25.20 ± 6.20	78.78 ± 14.06
71-80	10	75.30 ± 2.16	1.71 ± 0.06	78.22 ± 14.53	26.40 ± 3.50	78.20 ± 8.23

• BMI: body mass index; and AAS: adjusted activity score. ^aValues expressed as mean ± SD.

The mean UULEX completion time was 11.99 ± 1.90 min among the women and 12.89 ± 2.15 min among the men (p = 0.03); that is, the mean test completion time was 6% lower for the women than for the men. The test completion time showed statistically significant correlations with age (r = −0.48; p < 0.001), gender (r = 0.28; p = 0.004), BMI (r = −0.20; p = 0.05), and height (r = 0.28; p = 0.005) but not with weight (r = 0.08; p = 0.41) or level of physical activity (r = 0.12; p = 0.22). Linear regression analysis of the observed correlations showed that the predictors of UULEX completion time were age (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003), and gender (p = 0.019), which collectively explained 30% of the total variability (r² = 0.30; p < 0.005).

$UULEX\left(timein\min \right)=\mathrm{1,079.96}+\left(43.531\times [0woman;1man]\right)-\left(2.96\times age\right)-\left(7.45\times BMI\right)$

Table 2 shows the mean, minimum, and maximum time (in min) to completion of the UULEX test in the sample by gender.

Table 2
Mean, minimum, and maximum time (in min) to completion of the Unsupported Upper Limb EXercise test by gender, as well as the lower limit of normal calculated using the regression model.

Age group, years	Women (n = 48)		Men (n = 52)
	Time, min	LLNa	Time, min	LLNa
31-40	13.99 (12.20-15.00)	11.51	14.24 (13.19-15.00)	11.75
41-50	13.40 (12.15-15.00)	10.92	14.10 (10.32-15.00)	11.62
51-60	12.50 (9.48-15.00)	10.01	13.26 (9.00-15.00)	10.78
61-70	11.72 (9.36-13.20)	9.23	13.05 (9.00-15.00)	10.56
71-80	11.66 (9.01-13.51)	9.18	12.47 (8.17-15.00)	9.98

• LLN: lower limit of normal. SEE: standard error of the estimate = 91.04. ^aLLN = mean test completion time − (1.64 × SEE). UULEX completion time (min) = 1,079.96 + (43.531 × [0 woman, 1 man]) − (2.96 × age) − (7.45 × body mass index). r² = 0.30.

DISCUSSION

This was the first study to establish reference values for the UULEX test in individuals over 30 years of age in Brazil.

Our results show a negative relationship between test completion time and age. Younger individuals had better test results. Lima et al.,²⁸ in a study of 104 healthy individuals over 30 years of age, presented reference values for another test that assesses arm endurance and reported that age was the sole determinant of better performance. Another study assessed arm functional capacity in adults and elderly individuals and showed a negative association between age and test performance.²⁹ Aging is known to be accompanied by declines in bodily functioning, the most important of which is loss of muscle mass and strength.⁹ These declines start around age 30, and there is an estimated annual loss of muscle mass of 0.1-0.5% after this age.³⁰ These factors may explain the findings of the present study.

Another variable that showed a negative relationship with test completion time was BMI. Previous studies on reference values for other tests that assess functional capacity have reported this association.^31,32 However, a study that assessed arm function using the six-minute pegboard and ring test, the purpose of which is to move as many rings as possible in 6 min, found no correlation between test performance and BMI.³³ These findings differ from those in the present study; however, we should take into consideration that the sample of that study was younger (mean age of 23.41 ± 3.58 years among the men and 23.27 ± 3.0 years among the women) and had a lower BMI (25.09 ± 3.91 kg/m² among the men and 22.26 ± 2.36 kg/m² among the women), which may have affected the results. In the present study, the mean age overall was 55.87 ± 14.67 years, and the mean BMI was 26.59 ± 3.75 kg/m², classified as overweight.²⁴ Aging is accompanied by an increase in muscle fiber fat tissue and accumulation of subcutaneous fat, which is a negative predictor of muscle quality, as well as by disturbances in muscle metabolism, leading to a decrease in oxidative capacity and capillary density in obese individuals, which explains poorer performance on the test with increasing BMI.³⁴

Women performed more poorly compared with men in all age groups. On average, men performed 6% better. The UULEX test requires manual dexterity, motor coordination, and strength. According to the literature, manual dexterity and motor coordination are not associated with gender,²⁸ which indicates that strength may be responsible for the differences found in the present study. Men have greater muscle mass and a lower fat percentage and, consequently, more strength. In addition, men have more efficient aerobic and anaerobic energy production.³⁵

The limitations of our study are related to the fact that we were unable to obtain a sample of individuals over 80 years of age, mainly because of the large number of comorbidities present in this age group that met the exclusion criteria. This may limit the external validity for this age group. In addition, the low r² value and the fact that the equation was not tested in an independent sample are limitations of the study. However, it is not uncommon to find low r² values in the literature on reference values.^32,36,37 To our knowledge, this is the first study involving a large sample of the Brazilian population that has sought to establish reference values for the UULEX test.

In conclusion, the present study was able to establish reference values for the UULEX test in a sample of healthy adults in Brazil. The reference values were influenced by age, gender, and BMI. These values will allow the identification of impairments in peak arm exercise capacity in people with different arm functional limitations. These data will be useful both in clinical practice, for measuring the results of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and in the undertaking of clinical research in the area.

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• Financial support:
  This study received financial support from the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG, Foundation for the Support of Research in the State of Minas Gerais) and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES, Office for the Advancement of Higher Education).
• 2
  Study carried out in the Laboratório de Avaliação e Pesquisa do Desempenho Cardiorrespiratório - LabCARE - Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG) Brasil.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  02 Mar 2020
• Date of issue
  2020

History

• Received
  29 Aug 2018
• Accepted
  01 Apr 2019