Factors predicting 6-min walking test indexes in adults with cystic fibrosis

• Published in: Science & sports 2022-09, Vol.37 (5-6), p.438-445
• Main Authors: Carpio, C., Lerín, M., Torres, I., Fernández-Velilla, M., García Río, F., Álvarez-Sala, R., Prados, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cystic fibrosis; Dyspnoea; Dyspnée; Exercise test; Lung function test; Mucoviscidose; Test de fonction respiratoire; Test la marche
• ISSN: 0765-1597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2021.06.008

To analyse the relationship between 6-min walking test (6MWT) indices and lung function in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF); and to evaluate factors associated with these indices. Cross-sectional study involving data from 55 individuals with CF (mean age 32.6±12.4 years). The results of the 6MWT, 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and oxygen arterial desaturation (OD) were registered. Likewise, scores from the 6-min walk work (6MWW), mean velocity (MV) and distance-saturation product (DSP) were calculated. Results from spirometry were recorded. Finally, dyspnoea severity, nutritional parameters, history of annual exacerbations and chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) results were registered. Mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1% pred.) was 62.2±25.9. Mean 6MWD was 514.8±91.3 meters and 31 patients (56.4%) showed OD during the test. FEV1 correlated with 6MWW (P=0.022), DSP (P=0.007) and OD (P=0.002) but not with 6MWD. Female sex and dyspnoea were predictors of 6MWD. In terms of predictors of 6MWT indices, the female sex was associated with 6MWW and DSP, dyspnoea was related to all indices and albumin serum levels were predictors of 6MWW. OD was more pronounced in patients with reduced FEV1 (P=0.004), higher dyspnoea severity (P