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Published on: August 24, 2019
Relationship between 6-minute walk test and pulmonary function test in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Hong Chen1, Bin-Miao Liang, Yong-Jiang Tang
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Chinese Medical Journal
|August 31, 2012
Summary
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) correlates with pulmonary function in severe COPD. This suggests 6MWT can monitor lung function changes in COPD patients with advanced disease.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The relationship between the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and spirometry in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not fully understood.
- Investigating this link is crucial for assessing disease severity and monitoring progression in COPD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between 6MWT variables and spirometric parameters in stable COPD patients across different disease severities.
- To identify pulmonary function predictors for 6MWT outcomes.
Main Methods:
- 150 stable COPD patients underwent 6MWT and pulmonary function tests.
- Data analyzed included 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), 6-minute walk work (6MWORK), and pulse oxygen desaturation (SPO2%).
- Correlation coefficients and multiple stepwise regression were used to assess relationships.
Main Results:
- 6MWT variables (6MWD, 6MWORK, SPO2%) varied with COPD severity.
- 6MWD and 6MWORK correlated with spirometry in severe/very severe COPD (r range: 0.34-0.67).
- FEV1% predicted and RV/TLC predicted 6MWD; MVV predicted 6MWORK.
Conclusions:
- The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) demonstrates significant correlation with spirometric parameters in severe and very severe COPD.
- 6MWT serves as a potential tool for monitoring pulmonary function changes in these patient groups.
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