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OACIS: Resources – Physical Assessments

Anthropometrics

Height, weight, mid-arm circumference and tricep skinfold measurements are included in our protocols.

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
An whole body x-ray scan that provides body composition data including bone, fat and fat-free mass.

Timed 4-Meter Walk
The patient walks a 4 meter course at their normal walking speed. This timed trial is scored based on walking speedThis test of physical function is easily performed in areas with limited space.

6 Minute Walk Distance Test
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a practical test that measures the distance that a patient can walk on a flat, hard surface in a period of 6 minutes. It evaluates the global and integrated responses of all the systems involved during exercise, including the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, systemic circulation, peripheral circulation, neuromuscular units, and muscle metabolism.

Hand Grip Strength
This test measures hand grip strength using a hand dynamomter.

Manual Muscle Strength Testing
Resistance is applied manually to different muscle groups, and the reviewer grades the strength of the resistance using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.

Please click on the picture below to view the Manual Muscle Testing Protocol, published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments.

Maximal Inspiratory Pressure
This test provides an indirect measure of the strength of the respiratory muscles.

Spirometry
Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the 1^st second (FEV1) are indicators of lung and airway health. The spirometer measures both FVC and FEV1.

Diffusion Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO)
The DLCO test provides quantifiable data on how gases diffuse through the lungs and provide indications of the lungs’ health.

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