6-Minute Walk Test: Exploring Factors Influencing Perceived Intensity in Older Patients Undergoing Cardiac...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• The 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) is a standard assessment in cardiac rehabilitation to evaluate submaximal physical performance.
• Subjective rating of perceived exertion using the Borg Scale is crucial but often shows discrepancies in coronary heart disease patients.
• This discrepancy may lead to suboptimal exercise prescription and hinder rehabilitation progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the reasons behind patients with coronary heart disease underestimating their perceived exertion during the 6-MWT.
• To identify factors influencing self-rating discrepancies in cardiac rehabilitation assessments.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing interviews, questionnaires with patients, and a focus group with physiotherapists.
• Grounded theory was used for data evaluation to understand influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Self-image post-retirement emerged as a central factor influencing patient behavior and self-assessment during the 6-MWT.
• Identified causal conditions included fears, physical limitations, test instruction clarity, testing conditions, and therapists' expectations.
• Ten patients and five therapists contributed to identifying these categories.

Conclusions:

• Coronary heart disease patients exhibit poor self-perception of exercise intensity and limited understanding of the Borg Scale and 6-MWT.
• Physiotherapists need to prioritize patients' perceived exertion for accurate exercise prescription.
• Improving perceived exertion assessment can enhance cardiac rehabilitation goal attainment and long-term adherence.