Nájera CMP, Domínguez FME, Rodríguez PA, Gómez HJ

Language: Spanish
References: 26
Page: 16-21
PDF size: 158.04 Kb.

ABSTRACT

We wondered if the distance covered during a 6 minute Walking Test (6 MWT) would be similar if performed in a corridor inside a hospital building (indoors) or outside, in a more open space (outdoors). Important information could be derived from this for routine evaluation of patients for pulmonary rehabilitation. Objective: To determine differences in distance in the 6 min Walking Test (6 MWT) performed indoors or outdoors. Material and methods: This prospective, transversal, observational study included two hundred healthy subjects between 20 and 70 years of age, of both sexes, excluding cardiopulmonary patients, smokers or subjects who exercised more than 3h/week. Clinical evaluation of chest X-rays, spirometry, electrocardiogram, respiratory muscle strength, arterial pressure and respiratory frequency were taken before and after completion of the 6 MWT. Oxygen saturation and cardiac frequency were evaluated during the test every 2, 4 and 6 min with an oxymeter and dyspnea was measured with the Borg scale. Two different 6 MWT were performed indoors, one at “normal” speed and one at “fast” speed. After a 30 min resting period the same 6 MWT were performed outdoors. Results: A total of 119 women and 18 men were studied, the average distance of the walk at “normal” speed indoors was 446.38±45.6m and outdoors it was 469.9±54m (p = 0.001). In the “fast” walk the respective means were 582.4±70m and 580.4±60m. Conclusions: The studied subjects covered a greater distance in the outdoors 6 MWT compared to the test indoors, but only during “normal” speed. Interestingly, these differences were not observed in the “fast” speed test.

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