Current data confirm that the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT are valid , reliable and responsive to change with some interventions .
However , results are sensitive to small changes in methodology .
Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity , assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases .
In recent years , there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test ( 6MWT ) , and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests ( ISWT and ESWT , respectively ) .
The aim of this document is to describe the st and ard operating procedures for the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT , which can be consistently employed by clinicians and research ers .
The short-term effect of a rollator on functional exercise capacity among individuals with severe COPD.
STUDY OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to examine the short-term effects of using a rollator on functional exercise capacity among individuals with COPD and to characterize which individuals benefit most from its use . DESIGN Repeated- measures r and omized crossover design using the 6-min walk test ( 6MWT ) as the primary outcome measure . SETTING Respiratory rehabilitation center . PATIENTS Forty stable subjects who had received a diagnosis of COPD . INTERVENTIONS Two 6MWTs were performed on each study day . One 6MWT was performed unaided , and the other was performed with a rollator . The order was r and omized on the first day and reversed on the second day . RESULTS Use of the rollator was associated with a significant reduction in dyspnea ( p < 0.001 ) and duration of rest ( reduction for the total group , 19 s ; and reduction for those who walked < 300 m unaided , 40 s ; p = 0.001 ) during the 6MWT . For subjects who walked < 300 m unaided , there was also a significant improvement in distance walked ( p = 0.02 ) . No changes were found for the measures of cardiorespiratory function or gait ( p > 0.05 ) . The requirement to rest during an unaided 6MWT was a significant predictor of improved functional exercise capacity with the use of the rollator ( p < 0.005 ) . The majority of subjects whose unaided 6MWT distance was < 300 m preferred using the rollator to walking unaided . CONCLUSIONS Use of a rollator was effective in improving functional exercise capacity by reducing dyspnea and rest duration among stable individuals with severe COPD . Individuals who walked < 300 m and individuals who required a rest during an unaided 6MWT benefited the most from using a rollator in terms of reduced dyspnea , reduced rest time , and improved distance walked
Current data confirm that the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT are valid , reliable and responsive to change with some interventions .
However , results are sensitive to small changes in methodology .
Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity , assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases .
In recent years , there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test ( 6MWT ) , and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests ( ISWT and ESWT , respectively ) .
The aim of this document is to describe the st and ard operating procedures for the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT , which can be consistently employed by clinicians and research ers .