Comparison between standard 6 minutes field walk test and walking pad for functional evaluation in patients with chronic lung disease

<bold>Comparison between standard 6 minutes field walk test and walking pad for functional evaluation in patients with chronic lung disease</bold> <bold>BACKGROUND:</bold> The standard 6-minute field walk test (6MWT) is commonly used for functional evaluation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its practicality is hindered by the requirement for a 30-meter hallway. Performing the test on a walking pad may enhance convenience, particularly in centers with limited space. <bold>OBJECTIVES:</bold> To compare the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) by the standard hallway (HW) test with the automatic speed-adjusted walking pad (WP) test as a functional evaluation for COPD patients. <bold>METHODS:</bold> COPD patients aged over 40 were enrolled. Each patient completed two sets of tests, conducted 2-4 weeks apart. The first set alternated between the standard 6MWT on a HW and a WP, while the second set reversed the order. After finishing each 6MWT, a 3-hour resting and relaxing period was required before starting another test. Baseline characteristics, 6MWD, pre-/post-test vital signs, and modified Borg dyspnea scales were collected. <bold>RESULTS:</bold> Twenty COPD patients participated, primarily males (95%) with an average age of 68.5 ± 4.4 years, BMI 23.1 +/- 3.4 kg/m2, and the GOLD classification of A (50%) and B (25%). The HW 6MWD was significantly longer than the WP 6MWD (466.4 ± 68.1 meters vs. 294.0 ± 85.1 meters, p < 0.001). Both tests demonstrated good repeatability (r = 0.836 for standard 6MWT, r = 0.620 for walking pad, p < 0.001). <bold>CONCLUSION:</bold> The walking pad cannot replace the standard 6MWT on a 30-meter hallway. Despite this, both tests exhibited good internal validation and repeatability.