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 .
OXYGEN RELIEVES BREATHLESSNESS IN "PINK PUFFERS"
The effect of oxygen on breathlessness and exercise tolerance was examined in " pink and puffing " patients with fixed airways obstruction . When breathing oxygen , patients were less breathless and walked further . This was true whether the cylinder was carried by the patient or by an assistant . It was not possible to identify those patients who would benefit most . The best method of assessing improvement was by comparing breathlessness on a st and ardised progressive exercise test on a treadmill .  Four patients had a greater than 30 % reduction in breathlessness on submaximum exercise when breathing oxygen . Breathing oxygen for five or fifteen minutes before exercise but not during exercise ( predose ) result ed in a similar improvement in exercise tolerance . For short periods of exercise predosing with oxygen provides a convenient alternative to continuous oxygen . For longer periods of exercise the benefits of portable oxygen in selected patients have been previously underestimated
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 .