Article

The 2- and 6-minute walk tests are used to evaluate walking capacity,
but reliability has been sparsely investigated in patients with neuromuscular diseases.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relative and absolute
reliability of the 2- and 6-minute walk tests in patients with neuromuscular
diseases. DESIGN: Each patient performed a 2- and a 6-minute walk test on 2 test
days separated by 1-2 weeks. SUBJECTS: A total of 93 adult patients (mean age 53
years, age range 22-83 years) with 12 different neuromuscular diseases were
included. RESULTS: The mean walking distance increased by 4.3 and 11.2 m (p <
0.001) in repeated 2- and 6-minute walk tests, respectively. Intraclass
correlation coefficient in the 2- and 6-minute walk tests was 0.99 (p < 0.001).
Standard error of measurement was 4.9 m in the 2-minute walk test and 14.0 m in
the 6-minute walk test. Minimal detectable difference was 13.7 m in the 2-minute
walk test and 38.8 m in the 6-minute walk test. CONCLUSION: These findings show
good relative reliability of the 2- and 6-minute walk tests in patients with
neuromuscular diseases. However, absolute reliability demonstrated variability in
neuromuscular diseases. This should be considered when interpreting a change in
walking distance.

Langue : ANGLAIS