Study to Find Out the Efficacy of 6 Minute Walk Test in Assessing Response to Medical Intervention in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Abstract

Background: The aim was to find out the correlation of 6 minute walk test (6MWT) with spirometry values, in patients who are on treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also to study the efficacy of the 6 MWT in assessing response to medical intervention in patients suffering from COPD. This was undertaken with an objective to study whether 6 MWT can be recommended for a primary care setting in resource-constrained countries in effective management of COPD

Methods: We included 50 patients with stable COPD attending the outpatient department in the stipulated study period and diagnosis of COPD was established by clinical symptoms and spirometric data of ratio of FEV ₁ and forced vital capacity (FVC) ? 0.7. 

Results: The 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) of the patients was assessed once the health status of the patients has been stabilized. This was done under strict monitoring, just before discharge of the patient from the hospital. Participants aged less than 60 years had a 6MWD of 342.13±19.36 m while those aged above 60 years clocked 286.36±20.13 m.

Conclusions: 6MWT can be a useful replacement of spirometry in assessment of severity of COPD.

Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, six-minute walk test, spirometric indices, severity