Development of a prototype step to evaluate the physical capacity of healthy individuals and patients with respiratory and heart diseases

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.2017410198106

Abstract

Step tests are tests representing the daily physical activities that can classify different degrees of physical capacity of
healthy and non-healthy individuals evaluating the causes that limit stress and exercise tolerance. Despite being widely
employed in clinical practice, currently there are several variations in the implementation, testing standards, and step
sizes which contribute to greater difficulty in assessment and interpretation of the examiner. Thus, the objective of this
study was to produce a step with an integrated software system to facilitate the evaluation and interpretation of the data
obtained during the test from the incremental step clocked externally. This exploratory study has developed a prototype
step to assist physiotherapists in monitoring real-time test, sending the results to a computer program. The results may
be stored and processed by the program in order that the events are reconhecid error. The step was built with an MDF
wooden board; Rubber tube; Aluminum plate; Copper wiring with insulation coating; Screws; Angles; Wing nuts and
rubber flooring. In addition, for communication with the computer, the integrated circuit needs to be manufactured and
connected to a microcontroller, as well as a USB serial cable. The development of a single, standardized instrument, with
the ability to identify errors and track the progress of the test, can be a first step towards a consensus and standardization
of the test.