Article

The 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) is widely used to measure the performance
in various chronic conditions, such as in obese subjects. Reference equations for
predicting distance walked during 6MWT specifically in adult obese subjects are
not available. The aim of the paper is to establish reference values for 6MWT in
an adult obese population. METHODS: 323 obese patients (body mass index: BMI > 30
kg/m(2), age range 20-60 years) admitted to our hospital for multidisciplinary
rehabilitation and weight reduction programs were evaluated using 6MWT, heart
rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, anthropometric measurements and level of
dyspnoea were considered as outcome measure. RESULTS: Distance walked during the
6MWT was significantly correlated to age, gender and BMI. The proposed reference
equation is: 6MWTm = 894.2177 - (2.0700 x age(yrs)) - (51.4489 x gender(males =
0; females = 1)) - 5.1663 x BMI(Kg/m)(2). In the multiple linear regression
analysis age, gender and BMI explained 48% of the total variance in 6MWT. The
average difference between predicted and measured 6MWT values (11.33 +/- 52.98 m)
did not reach statistical significance and the correlation was significant (r =
0.698). CONCLUSIONS: A reference equation specific for the obese population was
provided; it can be used as realistic benchmark in the rehabilitation setting to
assess functional capacity, plan exercise intensity and monitor changes over
time.

Langue : ANGLAIS