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Six-minute walk test before and after a weight reduction program in obese subjects
Maja J Ekman1, M Klintenberg, U Björck
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Obesity Research, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Malmö, Sweden. maja.ekman@med.lu.se
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|February 14, 2013
Summary
Weight loss programs significantly improve exercise capacity in obese individuals, as measured by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). The 6MWT is a valuable tool for assessing intervention success beyond just weight reduction.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Cardiovascular health
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to increased health risks.
- Weight loss and physical activity interventions show promise in mitigating these risks.
- Evaluating exercise capacity is crucial for obese patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess exercise capacity in obese patients before and after a weight reduction program using the six-minute walk test (6MWT).
- To identify factors influencing 6MWD and the impact of intervention.
- To explore the utility of 6MWT in evaluating intervention success.
Main Methods:
- Data from 251 obese subjects (BMI 40.6 kg/m²) were analyzed.
- Subjects underwent the 6MWT before and after a 7.3-month weight reduction program.
- Factors influencing 6MWD and changes post-intervention were assessed.
Main Results:
- 129 subjects (51.4%) repeated the 6MWT post-intervention (BMI 35.6 kg/m²), showing improved 6-minute walking distance (6MWD).
- Baseline 6MWD correlated with cardiovascular risk markers; significance of some factors (smoking, glucose, beta-blockers) diminished post-intervention.
- Pain during the test decreased significantly after intervention (57.0% vs. 28.7%).
Conclusions:
- The 6MWT effectively evaluates intervention success in obese individuals, complementing weight loss metrics.
- Formulas are provided to predict 6MWD and the impact of weight loss.
- Pain during exercise is common but manageable, requiring consideration in weight loss interventions.
