The six minute walk test (6MWT) has a prognostic role in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with desaturation during the 6MWT in patients with COPD. This study utilized data from the prospective KOrea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) cohort. The results of the 6MWT performed at enrollment were analyzed in this study. A total of 1789 participants performed the 6MWT. Among them, 185 (10.3%) experienced desaturation during 6MWT. Old age, ex-smoker, low forced expiratory volume in one second (%), and high COPD assessment test score were significantly associated with exertional desaturation.
Kim et al. (Fri,) studied this question.