Abstract
Background: The 6MWT is a central diagnostic assessment tool within PR. The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) forms a basis for training regulation, is a parameter of overall load capacity and is considered one of the best predictors in the prognosis of survival and the morbidity rate of COPD patients.
In the literature a 2. 6MWT is, increasingly, required at the beginning and end of PR to minimize learning effect & incorrect conclusions. Here, the best test is used as a basis for the evaluation.
The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a marked difference between the results of a double test & those of a single test.
Methods: In 306 consecutive COPD patients (GOLD II-IV) a double 6MWT was made at the beginning (T0) and end (T1) of PR, with an interval of 1 hour between the tests.
Results: The mean improvement after PR in the 6MWD at T1 was 81.7m, if in each case the best result was used for T0 & T1, and 80.0m if only the 1. test at T0 & T1 was taken into account
(1.7m=2.1%, p=0.6 Wilcoxontest). At T0 14.7% of patients achieved a difference in 6MWD of >10% between the walk tests, at T1 10.8% of patients.
Conclusion: A “double walk test”, applying the best values, shows in the medium with regard to the improvement of the 6MWD after PR no relevant change compared to a single 6MWT. But in up to 15% of patients, the difference between the 2 tests was above 10%.
- © 2014 ERS