6-minute Walk Distance Scores Research Articles

Relationship between the characteristics of lower extremity function and activities of daily living in hospitalized middle-aged and older adults with subacute cardiovascular disease.

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between lower extremity function and activities of daily living and characterize lower extremity function in hospitalized middle-aged and older adults with subacute cardiovascular disease. [Participants and Methods] The Short Physical Performance Battery, 6-minute walk distance, and functional independence measure tests were conducted in 79 inpatients with subacute cardiovascular disease (mean age, 76.7 ± 11.9 years; 34 females). Multiple regression analysis used the functional independence measure score as the dependent variable and the Short Physical Performance Battery and 6-minute walk distance scores as independent variables. Cross-tabulations were performed for each age group, and patients who performed the Short Physical Performance Battery and 6-minute walk distance tests were divided into two groups by their respective cutoff values. [Results] Only the Short Physical Performance Battery (β=0.568) and 6-minute walk distance (β=0.479) scores were adopted as significant independent variables in each multiple regression model. The age <75 years group had the most patients with both good lower extremity function and aerobic capacity, whereas the age ≥75 years group had the most patients with both functions impaired. [Conclusion] Although cardiovascular disease is generally associated with decreased aerobic capacity, many older patients with cardiovascular disease in this study had decreased lower extremity function, too.

Walking capacity in boys with Down's syndrome in Saudi Arabia

Background/Aims Children with Down's syndrome are often considered to be sedentary and less likely to engage in the recommended levels of physical activity. The aim of this study was to compare the walking capacity of male children with Down's syndrome with a group of typically healthy age-matched children in Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 78 male children aged from 8 to 12 years participated in the study. They were divided into two groups. The first group comprised 37 male children with Down's syndrome, recruited from the Down's Syndrome Charitable Association and Al-Nahda Schools. The second group comprised 41 male children with typical development, who were recruited from regular schools in the same region. Walking capacity was measured with the 6-Minute Walk Test. Results The children with Down's syndrome had significantly reduced 6-Minute Walk Distance scores than children with typical development. Conclusions There is a need to establish good strategies, programmes and early interventions designed to promote physical activity levels and improve the quality of life for people with Down's syndrome.