Assessment of cardiopulmonary function: updated two-minute walk distance and walk work equations for obese Chinese populations

The two-minute walk test (2MWT) is a practical cardiopulmonary function assessment for obese individuals; however, the current reference equations for the two-minute walk distance (2MWD) are limited, and there are no equations for two-minute walk work (2MWW), reducing its clinical applicability. This study aimed to create new reference equations for the 2MWD and 2MWW in obese Chinese adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Wenzhou People’s Hospital (May 2019–April 2022) and targeted Chinese individuals aged 18–69 years with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m². Following the 2002 American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommendations, the 2MWT was adapted from the 6MWT. Separate equations for the 2MWD and 2MWW were developed by sex via stepwise multiple regression analysis. Among the 288 participants, the mean 2MWD was 185.9 ± 15.68 m, and the mean 2MWW was 15630.7 ± 2136.38 kg·m, with males showing significantly greater results than females did (P < 0.001). Sex-specific equations explained 35% and 61% of the variance for men, and 33% and 62% for women, respectively. The newly developed reference equations for obese Chinese adults enhance the accuracy of cardiopulmonary function assessment and may facilitate more precise monitoring and individualized management of obesity-related cardiopulmonary conditions.