The decline of the 6-minute walk test in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), during a 3-year follow-up

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a systemic inflammatory pathology with a respiratory origin. The progressive aspects of the disease are characterized by the decline in FEV1, the appearance of exacerbations, the appearance of comorbidities: hypertension, diabetes, malnutrition, peripheral myopathy, etc. All these factors contribute to limiting the patient's physical activity. <bold>Methods:</bold> This is a prospective and analytical work involving 135 COPD subjects, followed over a period of 36 months. The aim of this study is to evaluate the decline in T6mn and its impact on mortality and quality of life (CAT score) in COPD with therapeutic management without respiratory rehabilitation. The six-minute walk test is performed in all COPD patients once a year, in stable condition and in the absence of contraindications (unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction) and according to the technical recommendations of the ATS. On a choice, a decline in T6mn of more than 54 m as a significant threshold for this evaluation. <bold>Results:</bold> One hundred and thirty-two men and three women with a mean age of 61 ± 9 years. The mean FEV1 (%) of patients is 60.54 ± 6.84. The management of patients according to the stages of severity is based on bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and long-term oxygen therapy and vaccinotherapy. Our evaluation of T6mn during follow-up compared to that at the time of treatment revealed a regression of 4% with a mean value of 351 ± 116 (60–630 m). The average decline of T6 M is 13 ± 17 m (0–69 m). A reduction in the distance traveled by more than 54 m is observed in 7% of COPD subjects, divided into stages II, III and IV with respective rates of 1.2%, 32% and 40%. According to the GOLD stages, the decline in T6 m is 8 ± 8 mL stage I, stage II: 7 ± 21 mL, stage III: 23 ± 21 mL and 46 ± 12 mL for stage IV. This study showed that the mortality rate in COPD, as well as the quality of life score, are closely correlated with the significant decline in T6 M (p; 0.000). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The progression of COPD is marked by a reduction in physical activity, evidenced by a decline in T6mn, particularly in severe COPD, presenting a reduction in strength, endurance as well as early fatigability of the peripheral limbs.