Correlation between six-minute walk test and pulmonary function test in COPD patients with exacerbations: a preliminary report

Introduction: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD) frequently occur in primary care, but diagnosing them accurately and promptly can be challenging. Six-minute walk test is a cost-effective and well-documented field test used to assess aerobic capacity, response to medical treatments in cardiopulmonary diseases, and predict cardiorespiratory fitness. This study aims to explore the relationship between the six-minute walk test and pulmonary function variables in COPD patients with exacerbations. Methods: From January to November 2024, 46 consecutive COPD patients with a history of exacerbations were included from a tertiary care hospital. Patients had a post-bronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC ratio < 0.7, and 6MWD were conducted per ATS guidelines. Percent predicted 6MWD was calculated, and the correlation between spirometry and 6MWT was analyzed. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee (MMDU/IEC/2700). Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) determined a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.510) between the six-minute walk test and FEV 1 /FVC in COPD patients with exacerbations. Conclusion: The findings of our study indicate a moderate positive correlation between the 6MWT and the spirometry variable (FEV 1 /FVC) in COPD patients experiencing exacerbations. These results may have clinical significance in assessing disease prognosis and estimating aerobic capacity (VO 2 max) in COPD patients during exacerbations.