Comparison of the studies investigating reliability shows that the 6MWT has good reproducibility .
The 6MWT demonstrates moderate correlation with peak VO(2 ) levels , and ability to predict VO(2 ) ( functional capacity ) dependent on distance walked .
Cut-off distances vary from 300 to 490 meters depending on the study ; if total distance walked remains equal or less than these values , the 6MWT retains its strong predictive value .
The 6MWT has good reliability , moderate validity , and a significant ability to predict functional capacity in patients with CHF who do not walk greater than 490 meters
PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability and validity of the six-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) with respect to its ability to predict functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure .
The effect of physical training in chronic heart failure.
BACKGROUND Supervised cardiac rehabilitation programs have been offered to patients following myocardial infa rct ( MI ) , coronary artery bypass graft surgery ( CABG ) and percutaneous coronary intervention ( PCI ) for many years . However , limited information is available on the usefulness of rehabilitation programs in chronic heart failure ( CHF ) . The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of supervised physical training on CHF patients by measuring both central and peripheral factors . METHODS This was a prospect i ve r and omized study , including 43 patients with CHF , New York Heart Association ( NYHA ) class II or III , mean age 68 years . After initial measurements of VO2 peak , 6 min walk distance , muscle strength , plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide ( ANP ) and brain natriuretic peptide ( BNP ) , echocardiogram , measurements of pulmonary function and quality of life question naire , patients were r and omized to either a training group ( n = 21 ) or a control group ( n = 22 ) . The training group had supervised aerobic and resistance training program twice a week for five months . After the training program was completed , all measurements were repeated in both groups . RESULTS No training related adverse events were reported . Significant improvement was found between groups in the six minute walk test ( + 37.1 m vs. + 5.3 m , p = 0.01 ) , work load on the bicycle exercise test ( + 6.1 W vs. + 2.1 W , p = 0.03 ) , time on the bicycle exercise test ( + 41 s vs. + 0 s , p = 0.02 ) and quadriceps muscle strength test ( + 2.8 kg . vs. + 0.2 kg . , p = 0.003 ) . Quality of life factors that reflect exercise tolerance and general health , improved significantly in the training group compared to the control group . No other significant changes were found between the two groups . CONCLUSION Supervised physical training as used in this study appears safe for CHF patients in NYHA class II or III . The improvement in functional capacity observed in the training group seems to be related to peripheral factors rather than in central cardiovascular performance
Comparison of the studies investigating reliability shows that the 6MWT has good reproducibility .
The 6MWT demonstrates moderate correlation with peak VO(2 ) levels , and ability to predict VO(2 ) ( functional capacity ) dependent on distance walked .
Cut-off distances vary from 300 to 490 meters depending on the study ; if total distance walked remains equal or less than these values , the 6MWT retains its strong predictive value .
The 6MWT has good reliability , moderate validity , and a significant ability to predict functional capacity in patients with CHF who do not walk greater than 490 meters
PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability and validity of the six-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) with respect to its ability to predict functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure .