The six minute walk test comparison to a stair climb test

Abstract

Introduction: The 6 minute walk test (6MWT) and 1 minute stair climb test (SCT) have both been used as objective measures of cardiopulmonary performance. Our objective was to compare the variables of the 6MWT to the SCT, to determine correlation and assess if one of these test is better at detecting significant exertional desaturation (SED), which we defined as SpO2 Methods: In a prospective study, a SCT was performed after 6MWT with appropriate inter-test rest. The distance walked/number of steps climbed, SpO2, pulse rate and degree of dyspnea were recorded and compared between studies. Results: 74 consecutive patients completed both 6 MWT and SCT. There were 28 PH (37.8%), 29 ILD (39.2%), 9 COPD (12.2%) and 8 other patients (10.8%). There was no difference in the lowest saturation (p=0.94), and Borg score (p=0.06) between the two tests. Patients showed a higher heart rate with the SCT compared to 6MWT (p=0.039). There was significant correlation between steps climbed in SCT and distanced walked in 6MWT (r =0.7 p Conclusions: The performance characteristics of one minute SCT are similar and complimentary to the 6MWT. The SCT has a superior discriminatory power over the 6MWT to detect desaturation