A spanish version of the DASI questionnaire for estimation of functional capacity and cardiovascular risk applied to a chilean population

ABSTRACT: The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is an English questionnaire used to estimate functional capacity and physical fitness that correlates with peak oxygen uptake (VO2max) and metabolic equivalents (METs). There is no available information of its application in Chilean population. Aim: to assess the efficacy of a Spanish version of the DASI questionnaire in predicting functional capacity in a Chilean population. Methods: DASI was translated into a Spanish version and adapted to local population and culture. The questionnaire was self-administered prior to carrying out a treadmill exercise stress testing, stopped only by symptoms or a perception of stress ≥17 / 20 on the Borg scale. Internal consistency was estimated with two tests. A correlation was performed between the METs and VO2max achieved in treadmill stress testing versus those estimated by DASI. Results: 480 subjects were enrolled (age x: 50.9 ±15.3 years old). The median (IQ) DASI score was 9,2 (8,2-9,8). Both Cronbach´s α and Kuder Richardson Formula 20 were 0,72. DASI was easy and quick to apply. A significant correlation was observed between METS by DASI and those estimated by stress testing (r: 0.44: p<0.001); the same was true for the estimation of VO2max (r:0.37: p<0.001). Conclusion: The Spanish DASI translation adapted to Chilean population is an easy instrument to apply. Results are similar those obtained in other countries in the estimation of functional capacity.