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Physiologic response of the six-minute walk test in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
E Paap1, J van der Net, P J M Helders
1Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Insights
The 6-minute walk test (6-mwt) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) demonstrates a submaximal, intense physiologic response. This test effectively measures functional exercise capacity in JIA patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Exercise Physiology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) impacts children's physical function.
- The 6-minute walk test (6-mwt) is a common functional assessment.
- Understanding the physiologic demands of the 6-mwt in JIA is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physiological response during the 6-minute walk test (6-mwt) in children diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- To establish the intensity level and normal response patterns of the 6-mwt in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen children with JIA (ages 7-17) completed a 6-mwt and a maximal exercise test.
- Physiological parameters including heart rate, oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and minute ventilation were monitored.
- Backward regression analysis identified predictors of VO2peak.
Main Results:
- The 6-mwt elicited heart rate and VO2peak at 80-85% of maximal values, indicating submaximal, intense exercise.
- Minute ventilation reached 68.5% of peak values.
- Height and walking distance were significant predictors of VO2peak (R2 = 0.883).
Conclusions:
- The 6-mwt represents a submaximal, intense exercise challenge for children with JIA.
- The physiological responses observed during the 6-mwt were within normal limits.
- The 6-mwt is a valuable tool for assessing functional exercise capacity in JIA.
Objective:
To determine the physiologic response of the 6-minute walk test (6-mwt) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Methods:
Eighteen children with JIA (age 7-17 years; 6 boys, 12 girls) performed a 6-mwt and a maximal exercise test.
Results:
The physiologic response of the 6-mwt was on average between 80% and 85% of the peak values of heart rate and oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during the maximal exercise test, except for the minute ventilation, which had a mean percentage of 68.5%. Backward regression analysis showed that height and distance walked were the best predictors of VO2peak during cycling (R2 = 0.883, P < 0.001). During the 6-mwt, the difference between the first and second minute was significant in every variable, except for heart rate. The range of walking distance of children with JIA was comparable with that of healthy elderly people.
Conclusion:
The physiologic response of the 6-mwt is at a submaximal, intense level of exercise. The course of the responses during the 6-mwt was normal. The 6-mwt can be regarded as a good test for measuring functional exercise capacity.
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