Study to assess exercise capacity in patients with copd on pulmonary rehabilitation through six minute walk test

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Original Article

Author Details : Kolla Vinod, Kanabur Prashanth*, K N. Mohan Rao, Rohit R Chandran, K Thirthashree

Volume : 4, Issue : 3, Year : 2019

Article Page : 181-184

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijirm.2019.040

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Abstract

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of 6 minute walk test as an assessment tool in COPD patients after pulmonary rehabilitation and to correlate 6 minute walk test [6MWT] with spirometry indices. COPD [Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] is the one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Pulmonary rehabilitation reduces the distress in patients. Spirometry and 6MWT are the tools used to assese the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation.
Methodology: The study was conducted at Rajarajeswari Medical College, Bengaluru, from April 2018 to March 2019 with 82 patients. Consent of patient and ethical committee clearance was taken. Patients were followed up for a period of 12 months with intervals of every 3 months with FEV1 and 6MWT(6 minute walk test).
Results: Out of the total 82 patients studied 46 patients continued till the end of 12 months, 3 people died. Female patients showed less improvement in 6MWT distance than male. Out of 10 cases of very severe COPD, 4(40%) cases showed significant improvement in 6MWTD(6 minute walk test distance) and out of 46 people studied 8[9.8%] were severe COPD, out of 8 severe COPD cases, 6[75%] showed improvement and 33[42%] people with moderate copd completed the study and showed improvement in 6MWT. The FEV1 and 6MWT were correlated significantly.
Conclusions: 6MWT was observed to be the best tool in evaluating the pulmonary rehabilitation and also a cost effective tool as compared to that of spirometry.

Keywords: COPD; FEV1; Pulmonary rehabilitation; Spirometry; 6MWT; 6MWTD.

How to cite : Vinod K, Prashanth K, Rao K N M, Chandran R R, Thirthashree K, Study to assess exercise capacity in patients with copd on pulmonary rehabilitation through six minute walk test. IP Indian J Immunol Respir Med 2019;4(3):181-184

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