Article

Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is commonly used as a measure of functional
exercise capacity in clinical practice and research. Regression equations to
predict 6MWD in healthy individuals are available, but the equations predict
distances that vary considerably for an individual. The aims of this study were
to 1) measure 6MWDs in healthy Caucasian Australians aged 45-85 years; 2)
determine whether evidence exists for Australian-specific prediction equations
for Caucasian individuals by comparing measured 6MWDs with predicted 6MWDs
derived by using published regression equations; and 3) develop regression
equations for males and females. One hundred nine subjects (48 males) completed
the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Measurements of height, leg length, weight,
habitual physical activity, and peak heart rate (HR) achieved during the 6MWT
were obtained. 6MWD (better of two tests) was 682 +/- 73 m (mean +/- SD) and 643
+/- 70 m in the males and females, respectively (p<0.01). Published regression
equations underestimated 6MWDs in female subjects. Gender-specific regression
equations using age and anthropometric data explained 40% and 43% of the variance
in 6MWD in males and females, respectively. Validation of the regression
equations in a prospective subject cohort is required.

Langue : ANGLAIS