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 .
Effect of a walking aid on disability, oxygenation, and breathlessness in patients with chronic airflow limitation.
PURPOSE This study assessed the effect of a wheeled walking aid on disability , oxygenation , and breathlessness in patients with severe disability secondary to chronic irreversible airflow limitation . METHODS Eleven subjects with chronic irreversible airflow limitation , mean forced expired volume in 1 second ( FEV1 ) 0.71 L + /- .33 L , were studied . Subjects performed four 6-minute walk tests , two on each of two study days , twice unaided and twice with the assistance of a wheeled walking aid . A r and omized cross-over design was used . All subjects were oriented to 6-minute walk tests , use of bronchodilators was controlled , and st and ard encouragement was given during each walk test . Outcome measures were the distance walked in 6 minutes , change in oxyhemoglobin saturation during the walk , and breathlessness using a modified Borg Scale . RESULTS The use of a wheeled walker result ed in a significant increase in 6-minute walking distance , a significant reduction in hypoxemia with walking and a significant reduction in breathlessness during the walk test . CONCLUSIONS The use of a wheeled walker result ed in significant decreases in disability , hypoxemia , and breathlessness during a 6-minute walk test . By reducing disability and breathlessness , a wheeled walker may improve quality of life in individuals with severe impairment in lung function
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 .