# Field Tests for Assessing Functional Capacity in Children with Chronic Lung Diseases Other than Asthma: A Scoping Review

## TL;DR

This review summarizes field tests used to assess physical function in children with chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis, finding that some tests are reliable and useful for monitoring progress.

## Contribution

The paper provides a scoping review of field tests for non-asthmatic pediatric chronic lung diseases, highlighting their feasibility and reliability.

## Key findings

- The six-minute walk test and modified shuttle walk test were most commonly used and showed good reliability.
- Field tests can monitor functional capacity and complement symptom assessments in children with chronic lung diseases.
- Evidence for non-CF bronchiectasis and primary ciliary dyskinesia remains limited.

## Abstract

Objective: To synthesize the available evidence on field tests used to assess functional capacity in children with CLDs other than asthma, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), and non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB). Still, the application and reliability of the field tests in non-asthmatic pediatric CLDs populations is scarce. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Medline via EBSCOhost, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to 20 May 2025. Two researchers independently screened the retrieved articles and rated the methodological quality using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Information was extracted about study design, field test used, outcomes measured, and methodological quality. Results: Out of 784 records, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on CF. Five different field tests were identified: six-minute walk test (6MWT), modified shuttle walk test (mSWT), one-minute sit-to-stand test (1mSTS), three-minute step test (3mST), and TGlittre-P test. The 6MWT (n = 3) and mSWT (n = 2) were the most frequently used and demonstrated good reliability and clinical applicability. Reported outcomes included distance walked, total steps, task’ repetitions, and cardiopulmonary parameters, such as heart rate and perceived exertion of dyspnea/leg fatigue. Conclusions: Field exercise tests appear to be feasible in children with CLDs other than asthma, with most data available in CF. They can be used to monitor functional capacity over time, to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, and to complement symptom assessment with tools such as the Borg scale. Evidence in NCFB and PCD is still limited, and additional pediatric studies are needed.