A study to find out functional capacity among hypokinetic workers using 6MWT : An observational study

Background: Prolonged sedentary behavior, often observed in hypokinetic workers, can lead to a decline in functional capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness. Functional assessment using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a reliable tool to evaluate the submaximal exercise capacity in such populations. Objective: This study aimed to assess the functional capacity of hypokinetic workers using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and to examine the impact of reduced physical activity on their aerobic fitness and overall health. Methodology: An observational study was conducted over six months on 150 female hypokinetic workers aged over 20 years, working more than 8 hours per day and having at least one year of work experience. Participants were assessed using the 6MWT following the standardized guidelines by the American Thoracic Society. Key parameters, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and perceived exertion, were monitored before, during, and after the test. VO₂max was estimated using a validated formula based on the 6MWT distance, age, and weight of the participants. Results: A moderate to strong positive correlation (r = 0.64, p = 0.001) was found between the distance covered in the 6MWT and the estimated VO₂max values, indicating that greater functional capacity is associated with higher aerobic fitness. An age-wise comparison revealed a consistent decline in both predictedand observed VO₂max values with advancing age. The observed VO₂max values across all age groups were lower than the predicted normativevalues, suggesting reduced cardiorespiratory fitness in the hypokinetic worker population.