Correlation of Chester step test and six minute walk test in COPD Patients

Background: A cross sectional study was done to use Chester step test, a graded submaximal test that mimics stair climbing, for assessing functional capacity in COPD patients. Purpose: To correlate Chester step test (CST) and six minute walk test (6MWT) in COPD patients. Methods: Sixty five COPD patients performed a 6MWT on a 30 m hallway and CST on a 15-20 cm high step, randomly on the same day after giving a rest interval between the tests. The distance walked and the number of steps performed, during the 6MWT and CST were recorded respectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS 16 software. Spearman correlation was used to correlate between six minute walk distance and number of steps. Conclusion: The mean 6MWD was 344.68 m + 106.47 m and the mean number of steps performed during CST was 76.50 + 65.08. A significant positive linear correlation (rho=0.713, p=0.000) between 6MWD and a number of Steps was seen, therefore number of steps in CST showed a strong correlation with the distance walked in the 6MWT in patients with COPD, which confirms the applicability of CST to assess the functional capacity of patients with COPD.