Comparative survey of the six-minute walk test on the treadmill and on the corridor in cardiac patients

Abstract

Introduction: The six minute walk test (6MWT) is considered an important tool in the evaluation of physical capacity, monitoration and the effectiveness of treatment in cardiac patients. Objective: To compare the 6MWT on the treadmill and corridor in cardiac patients. Methods: Participated 24 cardiac patients, being 12 male and 12 female with 56.7 ± 12.7 years age average, submitted to the six-minute walk test on the treadmill (6MWTT) and on the corridor (6MWTC) in an interval of seven days. The analyzed variables were: walked distance, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and oxygen saturation (SatO2). Results: It was statistically significant difference in the comparison between the tests for the variables: walked distance, SBP, DBP and SatO2 (p > 0.05). The only statistically significant variable was the HR after the test application (p = 0.03). Conclusion: After the two tests application, there was similarity in the variables: walked distance, SBP, DBP and SatO2 with no significant statistical differences. Only the HR presented statistical significance between groups at the end of the tests.