Article

Walk tests, principally the six-minute walk test (6mWT), constitute a safe,
useful submaximal tool for exercise tolerance testing in cardiac rehabilitation
(CR). The 6mWT result reflects functional status, walking autonomy and efficacy
of CR on walking endurance, which is more pronounced in patients with low
functional capacity (heart failure - cardiac surgery). The 6mWT result is a
strong predictor of mortality. However, clinically significant changes and
reliability are still subject to debate - probably because of the ambiguity in
terms of the target speed (either comfortable or brisk walking). Of the other
time-based walk tests, the 2-minute-walk test is the only one applicable during
CR, reserved for patients with severe disabilities by its psychometric
properties. Fixed-distance tests (principally the 200m fast walk test) and
incremental shuttle walking, tests explore higher levels of effort and may
represent a safe and inexpensive alternative to laboratory-based tests during CR.
These walking tests may be useful for personalizing prescription of training
programs. However, the minimum clinically significant difference has not yet been
determined. Lastly, walking tests appear to be potential useful tools in
promoting physical activity and behavioural changes at home. Thus, validation of
other walk tests with better psychometric properties will be necessary.
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Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS