Reference Equations for the Six-Minute Walk Distance in Healthy North-East Indian Population Aged 18-60 Years
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND \nSix-minute walk test is a simple and objective tool for functional assessment of \npatients with cardiopulmonary disease. Healthy population-based reference \nequations to predict 6MWD show wide variations from region to region. Our study \nderives reference equations for the north-eastern population of India. \nMETHODS \n150 healthy, non-smoker subjects aged 18-60 years were enrolled. Spirometry and \n6MWT was done for all subjects according to the American Thoracic Society \nprescribed protocol. Pearson correlation and subsequently stepwise multiple \nregression analysis was used to develop the reference equations. \nRESULTS \nThe mean six-minute walk distance (6MWD) for males was 503.39 ± 31.95 meters \nwhich was significantly more than that for females which was 454.19 ± 36.46 \nmeters (p= 0.001). The regression equation derived in our study shows age, \nheight and weight as the most important predictors of the 6MWD. The predictive \nequations derived are- Males: 6MWD= 377.18-[1.235 x Age (yr.)] + [1.006 x \nHeight (cm)]; r2= 0.427, p<0.001 Females: 6MWD= 129.75-[0.510 x Age (yr.)] \n+ [2.186 x Height (cm)]; r2= 0.375, p= 0.028. Alternative equations derivedMales: 6MWD= 381.52 - [1.235 x Age (yr.)] + [0.963 x Height (cm)] + [0.062 x \nWeight (Kg)]; r \n2=0.427, p<0.001; Females: 6MWD= 107.255 - [0.430 x Age (yr.)] \n+ [2.451 x Height (cm)] - [0.421 x Weight (Kg)]; r \n2=0.38, p= 0.064. Reference \nequations from other regions of the world over-predicted the 6MWD for our \npopulation probably due to anthropometric and demographic variations. \nCONCLUSIONS \nThe 6MWD shows considerable variability according to anthropometric, cultural \nand social characteristics of the population studied. The regression equation \nderived in our study shows age and height as the most important predictors of the \n6MWD. There is over prediction of 6MWD by equations from Western and other \nAsian studies. The gender specific equations derived in our study from this region \nmay thus help in the assessment of patients with chronic cardiorespiratory \ndiseases by providing correct reference values of normal.
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2986378173