Prediction of functional capacity during six-minute walk among patients with chronic heart failure

Formulae for predicting functional capacity during 6-minute walk are lacking and the accuracy of the existing formulae has been challenged in deferent populations.

The purpose of this study was to develop an equation that would be useful in predicting functional capacity in form of maximum oxygen consumption) (V0 2 ) in Chronic Heart Failure Patients (CHF) during exercise.

Sixty-five subjects were recruited for the study. The procedure required the subjects to walk on a self paced speed on a 20 meter marked level ground for 6 minutes. The distance covered in 6 minutes was measured and the speed calculated.

The result showed that the distance covered was highly correlated with the VO2 (0.65, p< 0.01). The regression analysis revealed that a linear equation model developed was a good predictor of V0 2 for the group.

The study concluded that in situation where sophisticated equipments are lacking, this equation might be useful during exercise supervision for patients with CHF. [VO2 (mlkg-1 min-1) = 0.0105 x distance (m) + 0.0238 age (yr) - 0.03085 weight (kg) + 5.598].