Key result
Female sex, older age, lower FVC, and higher dyspnea explain ~37% of 6MWD variance.
Why the study?
The determinants of better distance traveled during the six-minute walk test in patients with chronic heart failure, especially in the Brazilian population, are little explored.
Cross-Sectional (n=81)
Higher levels of dyspnea, female sex, older age, and lower forced vital capacity are significant determinants of a shorter 6-minute walk distance in patients with chronic heart failure.
Identifies factors linked to reduced 6MWD in chronic HF; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Background: The evaluation of the functional capacity of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) by means of the distance covered in the six-minute walk test (6MWT) has assumed great importance, since the 6MWD is a predictor of mortality and hospitalization in this population, however the determinants of better distance traveled in patients with HF are little explored, especially in the Brazilian population. Objective: To evaluate the determinants of 6MWD in patients with chronic HF. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 81 HF patients in outpatient treatment. 6MWD was used as the outcome variable and sociodemographic, clinical, physical-functional and emotional data were submitted to multiple regression analysis using the stepwise method with a significance level of 5%. Results: Mean age of participants was 56.71 years; the 6MWD showed a bivariate correlation with age (r = -0.27, p = 0.01), maximal inspiratory pressure (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), maximal expiratory pressure (r = 0.36, p < 0.01), handgrip strength (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), Borg scale (-0.22, p = 0.04), Charlson index (r = -0.25, p = 0.02) and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale (r = -0.42, p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the variables gender (p = 0.001), age (0.004), forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = 0.016) and mMRC (p = 0.001) simultaneously explained 37% of variance in the 6MWD. Conclusion: Higher levels of dyspnea on daily life activities, female sex, older age and lower forced vital capacity are determinants of a shorter 6MWD in patients with chronic HF.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Morais et al. (2018) conducted a cross-sectional in chronic heart failure (n=81). Sociodemographic, clinical, physical-functional and emotional factors was evaluated on Distance covered in the six-minute walk test (6MWD). Female sex, older age, lower forced vital capacity, and higher dyspnea levels were determinants of a shorter 6-minute walk distance, simultaneously explaining 37% of its variance.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: