Correlation between 6-minute walk distance and spirometry parameters in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Abstract

Background: Six minute walk test (6MWT) is a sub-maximal exercise test, used as a clinical indicator of the functional capacity, in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. It is simple, objective and reproducible test. The present study was designed to assess correlation of six minute walk test with spirometry parameters, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods: In this cross sectional study, fifty patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOLD criteria) coming to tertiary center were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients underwent spirometric measurement. Spirometric indices including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and MVV were tested using computerized spirometer. 6MWT was performed following American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. Percent (%) predicted 6MWD was calculated. Correlation between spirometry and 6MWT was assessed.Results: It was found that correlation between 6MWT and spirometry is statistically significant. There is significant strong positive correlation between percent predicted 6MWD and FEV1 (r=0.850 and p= <0.001), whereas there is significant moderate correlation between percent predicted 6MWD and FVC (r=0.554 and p= <0.001), FEV1/FVC (r=0.509 and p= <0.001) and MVV (r=0.615 and p= <0.001).Conclusions: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, percent predicted 6mwd significantly correlated with the spirometry parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and MVV). 6MWD decreases as there is decline in the pulmonary function. 6MWT can be a useful replacement of spirometry in assessment of severity of COPD.

Pathogens Isolated and Their Association With the Long-Term Outcome in Patients With Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

“…In another study that involved both European and American subjects, the proportion of females was 36.7% among Europeans and 33.3% among Americans, which is in accordance with our findings [ 9 ]. A study by Hajare et al reported a male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1 [ 10 ]. The preponderance of males being affected can be attributed to the fact that males are more involved in outdoor activities and hence are more exposed to environmental pollutants [ 8 ].…”

Six-Minute Walk Test and its Correlation with Spirometry in Stable COPD Patients

“…However, other factors such as poorly controlled chronic asthma, occupational exposures to dusts and smokes, and malnutrition should also be considered. 16,17 A greater part of the study group had a normal BMI (63 [53.38%]). The FEV 1 was calculated to be the least in patients with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 and the highest in the BMI group of 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 .…”

“…However, other factors such as poorly controlled chronic asthma, occupational exposures to dusts and smokes, and malnutrition should also be considered. 16 17…”