Six-minute walk test in persons with transtibial amputation

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Kinesiology
• Prosthetics and Orthotics

Background:

• The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a common functional assessment, but its reliability and measurement properties in individuals with transtibial amputation require further investigation.
• Understanding the functional capacity and exercise intensity of the 6MWT is crucial for effective rehabilitation strategies in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the within-day test-retest reliability of the 6MWT in individuals with transtibial amputation.
• To evaluate the measurement properties, including exercise intensity and correlation with other functional tests, of the 6MWT in this population.

Main Methods:

• A test-retest reliability study design was employed in a university research laboratory setting.
• Thirteen participants with transtibial amputation completed three 6MWT trials within a single day, with rest periods in between.
• The Timed Up & Go (TUG) test and timed one-leg balance tests were administered on a separate day to assess correlations.

Main Results:

• The 6MWT demonstrated high within-day test-retest reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) of .94.
• Bland and Altman analysis indicated no systemic variations between trials and a minimal learning effect.
• Moderate correlations were found between the 6MWT and the TUG test (r=-.76) and timed prosthetic-leg stance (r=.61 to .63), suggesting a relationship with postural control.

Conclusions:

• The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a reliable measure of functional capacity for individuals with transtibial amputation.
• The 6MWT elicits a moderate exercise intensity, approximating 72% to 78% of age-predicted maximal heart rate.
• The 6MWT's results are moderately correlated with postural control abilities, highlighting its comprehensive assessment potential.