Article

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is used to measure
exercise capacity after stroke. We sought to compare cardiorespiratory responses
during the 6MWT with responses to a ramp cycle ergometer test (CET) in
community-dwelling individuals with stroke. A secondary objective was to
determine the relationship between cardiorespiratory responses during each test
and daily physical activity. METHODS: Participants completed 3 evaluation
sessions. The CET and 6MWT were conducted in 2 separate sessions at least 72
hours apart. Participants wore a portable gas analysis unit (Cosmed K4b2), which
also measured heart rate (HR) during the 6MWT. A uniaxial accelerometer
(activPAL) was used to measure time spent upright (standing and stepping) over 5
days as an estimate of daily physical activity. RESULTS: Complete CET and 6MWT
data were obtained for 16 participants (14 men), a mean +/- standard deviation of
2.0 +/- 1.1 years after stroke and 71.1 +/- 9.7 years of age. Compared with the
6MWT, the CET elicited a higher VO(2peak) (P = .032), VCO(2peak) (P = .005),
respiratory exchange ratio (P = .015), and self-reported perceived breathing (P <
.0001) and leg heaviness (P < .0001) at test completion and a lower HR(peak) (P =
.029). Except for the first minute, VO(2) during the 6MWT was, on average, 80% to
85% of VO(2peak) from the CET. Among 15 participants, average time spent upright
per day was not significantly associated with 6MWT distance (r = 0.447, P = .096)
or VO(2peak) from the CET (r = 0.388, P = .153). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise intensity
achieved during the 6MWT appeared sufficiently high for aerobic training,
assuming CET VO(2peak) accurately reflects aerobic capacity. The 6MWT may be
useful for prescribing aerobic exercise poststroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS