1 Minute Sit-to-Stand Test versus 6 minutes walk test: methods of evaluating exercise capacity in COPD patients

Abstract

Background: Sit to Stand Test (STST) is an affordable method to assess exercise capacity and physical condition. The relationship between STST and the 6 minutes walk test (6MWT) is not well enough studied. Aim: to compare the STST with the 6MWT in predicting exercise capacity and physical condition in COPD patient. Material and Method: COPD patients performed both tests (6MWT and STST) in the same day, at one hour interval. The number of meters walked in six minutes at 6MWT, the number of lifting on the chair in one minute (STST), pulse rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2) at the beginning and end of the tests, BORG dyspnea scale and anthropometric indices were determined. Results: 46 COPD patients (32 males), mean age 63.3 ± 9 years, mean FEV1 49.4 ± 16% predicted. Mean 6MWT distance was 348.16 (110-640) m, mean number of lifts on STST: 18.74 (14-25). We found a higher increase of dyspnea (BORG scale) and a more important SpO2 desaturation in 6MWT compared to STST (3.38 vs 2.58 points respectively 6.8% vs 4.02 %).Walking distance at 6MWT was correlated with the number of lifting at SSTS (r=0.87, p= 0.000). Conclusions: 6MWT seems to be more exhausting compared to STST. STST and 6MWT are similar in estimating the exercise capacity in COPD patients (evaluated as six minutes walking distance and number of lifting). STST can be also a useful and affordable tool in evaluating exercise capacity in COPD patients.