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

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 bron-chiectasis (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 May 20, 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 and mSWT 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 dysp-nea/leg fatigue. Conclusion: The 6MWT and mSWT seem to be the most used among others for assessing functional and exercise capacity, mainly for populations with CF. Future research should focus on other CLDs populations to further establish the feasibility and reliability of these tests when used for assessing functional capacity in the clinical setting.