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 effects of a "new" walking aid on exercise performance in patients with COPD: a randomized crossover trial.
BACKGROUND Generally , the use of a rollator improves mobility in patients with COPD . Nevertheless , not all patients benefit from its use , and many patients feel embarrassed about using it . Therefore , other walking aids are worthwhile to consider . We compared the direct effects of a " new " ambulation aid ( a modern draisine ) with the effects of a rollator on 6-min walk distance ( 6MWD ) in patients with COPD . METHODS Twenty-one patients with COPD performed two 6-min walk tests ( 6MWTs ) during prerehabilitation assessment ( best 6MWD : 369 ± 88 m ) . Additionally , two extra 6MWTs were performed on two consecutive days in r and om order : one time with a rollator and one time with a modern draisine . Walking pattern ( n = 21 ) was determined using an accelerometer , and metabolic requirements ( n = 10 ) were assessed using a mobile oxycon . RESULTS Walking with the modern draisine result ed in a higher 6MWD compared with walking with the rollator ( 466 ± 189 m vs 383 ± 85 m ) . Moreover , patients had fewer strides ( 245 ± 61 vs 300 ± 49 ) and a greater stride length ( 1.89 ± 0.73 m vs 1.27 ± 0.14 m ) using the modern draisine compared with the rollator  ( all P ≤ .001 ) . Oxygen uptake , ventilation , heart rate , oxygen saturation , and Borg symptom scores were comparable between both walking aids . Ten percent of the patients felt embarrassed using the modern draisine compared with 19 % for the rollator , and a significantly smaller proportion of patients would use the modern draisine in daily life . CONCLUSIONS The mean difference in 6MWD between a modern draisine and a rollator seems clinical ly relevant , with the same metabolic requirements and symptom Borg scores . Therefore , this " new " ambulation aid could be a good alternative to the rollator to improve functional exercise performance in patients with COPD . TRIAL REGISTRY The Netherl and s National Trial Registry ; No. : NTR1542 ; URL : www.trialregister.nl
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 .