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The Six Minute Walk Test as a Tool to Evaluate Functional Progress in Persons with Respiratory Disability

S.K. Prasad , S.K. Prasad , Divya M. Sharma

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Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal 7(2):p 69-75, April - June 2014. | DOI:

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Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a widely prevalent disorder and the most common cause for respiratory impairments and disability. It is expected to rise at the fifth position as a cause of disability adjusted life year by the year 2020. Patients of COPD suffer from chronic breathlessness which limits their activities and functional capacity. The Six minute walk test is a valid and simple tool to evaluate the functional limitation and monitor progress. The aim of our study was to assess the functional progress in COPD patients undergoing a six week exercise program using the 6 MWT as a tool. 45 subjects with a history of smoking and a diagnosis of stable COPD were made to undergo a six weeks exercise program and the 6 MWT was performed before and after six weeks.  The variables evaluated were the walk distance and dyspnoea ratings. There was a statistically significant increment in both the parameters after six weeks. The mean increment for walk distance was 31 meters and the dyspnoea rating improved by 0.5 and 0.7 for the baseline and completion values. These increments over a short period are positive indicators of clinical progress and signify potential scope for enhancement in the functional capacity of these eternally breathless patients.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Respiratory disability; Functional capacity; Six minute walk test (6MWT); Six minute walk distance (6MWD); Rating of perceived exertion (RPE); Therapeutic exercises.

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