Validity of the Six-Minute Walk Test in Cancer Patients

Abstract

The present study evaluated the validity of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in cancer patients. 50 subjects (36 f, 14 m; 57.4±10.2 years; during (56%) or off (44%) cancer treatment) performed a 6MWT and a spiroergometry on a cycle ergo-meter (0+25 W, 3 min) to evaluate maximum exercise capacity (VO2peak). A subsample (n=30) completed a retest of the 6MWT within 2-7 days. Patients covered a distance of 594±81 m during 6MWT at an average intensity of 86.3±9.6% of HRmax and achieved a VO2peak of 21.2±4.86 ml · kg - 1 · min - 1 during cycle ergometry. The distance walked correlated significantly (p<0.001) with VO2peak (r=0.67) and perceived physical function (EORTC QLQ-C30 physical function subscale) (r=0.55). Concerning reliability the intraclass correlation coefficient was r=0.93 (95%CI: +0.86;+0.97; p<0.001) and the coefficient of variation 3%. During retest participants walked 3.1% (95%CI: +1.1; +5.2) farther and achieved a higher RPE (+1.0; 95%CI: +0.3;+1.8). Limits of agreement were between - 43.1 and 76.4 m. In cancer patients the 6MWT seems to be as valid and reliable as in healthy elderly, cardiac and pulmonary patients. Thus, it can be recommended for use in cancer patients.

Inflammation, cardiometabolic markers and functional changes in a randomized controlled trial of a 12-month exercise program for prostate cancer men

“…26 The 6MWT was performed according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines. 27 It was followed by a short cool down period con ducted in a hospital corridor (30 meters).…”

“…26,29 We ob served a signficant improvement of functional capacity (increase in the 6MWT distance and de crease in dyspnea measured with the Borg scale) Data are presented as mean ± SD. a significant differences between assessments II and I of the parameter in the same group b the level of statistical change between assessments I, II, and III of the parameter the proinflammatory effect of obesity, improv ing nonspecific cancer related symptoms, cardio vascular risk factors related to cancer treatment, and improving QoL in patients with PCa.…”

A Walk-and-Eat Intervention Improves Outcomes for Patients With Esophageal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

“…Specifically, functional walking capacity was measured using the 6MWT, and strength was measured as hand-grip strength (HGS). The 6MWT, a well-established tool for quantifying functional capacity [28,29], was performed according to a standardized protocol in the corridor of the department of radiation oncology, with a 30-m walking course [30].The distance walked was recorded inmeters.HGSwasmeasuredinkilogramsofpressureusingadigital handheld dynamometer (T.K.K.5401; Takei Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd, Niigata, Japan, http://www.takei-si.co.jp/en/). Participants were instructed to stand with the shoulder slightly abducted, the elbow fully extended, and the forearm in a neutral position.…”

Effect of postsurgical rehabilitation programmes in patients operated for lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Outcomes VO 2 peak is considered the gold standard for the measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness and 6MWD is often used in pulmonary rehabilitation programmes to quantify exercise capacity, both recommended for use in clinical oncology research (16)(17)(18)(19). The primary outcome of the present review was any measure of maximum exercise capacity (16).…”