Six-minute walk test as a tool for assessing the quality of life in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of life in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization using the six-minute walk test. METHODS: Prospective observational study with patients who undergoing CABG. The clinical variables, the sixminute walk test, and the SF-36 test were recorded. The patients were assessed at the preoperative time and at 2 months of postoperative period. According their six-minute walk test results, the patients were divided into two groups: group walked more than 350 meters (> 350 meters Group) and the group walked less than 350 meters (< 350 meters Group) at the preoperative time. RESULTS: Eight-seven patients were included. Age was comparable in both groups (59 ± 9.5 years vs. 61 ± 9.3 years; respectively, P = 0.24). The group walked > 350 meters distance was higher than the < 350 meters group after 2 months of operation (436 ± 78 meters vs. 348 ± 87 meters; P <0.01). The quality of life was lower in the < 350 meters group compared to the > 350 meters group in the preoperative period in the following domains: functional capabilities, limitations due to physical aspects, overall health feelings, vitality, and social aspects. Quality of life improved after two months in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The six-minute walk test at the preoperative time is associated with the quality of life after two months of coronary artery bypass grafting. In overall, quality of life has improved in all patients. The improvement in the quality of life was greater in those patients who walked distances lower than 350 meters at the preoperative time.