Assessment Of Functional Capacity Research Articles

Guiding the failing heart to exercise.

Guiding the failing heart to exercise.

Functional capacity and its associated factors in the elderly with low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of functional capacity in subjects aged 60 years and older, who have lower back pain, and its association with demographic, socioeconomic, work-related, lifestyle-related and disease mentioned variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 246 elderly registered at the Family Health Strategy of Vila São Paulo, Bauru,SP, Brazil, who reported lower back pain and were sampled by a two-stage cluster technique. The subjects were interviewed at home by using a multidimensional instrument (demographic; socioeconomic aspects; life style; work characterization; disease mentioned), and also the IPAQ, the Nordic and the Roland Morris questionnaires. A bivariate and multivariate descriptive logistic regression analysis was carried out. RESULTS: The prevalence of lower back pain in men was of 25.1% and in women it was of 35.1%. The mean score in the functional capacity assessment was 10.46 ± 5.62. A fraction of 67.5% of the elderly demonstrated an inappropriate functional capacity. The age group from 70 to 80 years old, the subjects reporting three or more diseases and the sedentary group presented an independent association with inappropriate functional capacity. CONCLUSION: The older, sedentary subjects and who reported more than three diseases presented low functional capacity. Level of Evidence III, Cross Sectioning.

Correlation Between Functional Capacity and Respiratory Assessment of End-Stage Liver Disease Patients Waiting for Transplant

IntroductionEnd-stage liver disease has metabolic complications associated with malnutrition, which involves a great loss of muscle mass. This complication can lead to changes in the diaphragm, which along with ascites may impair daily activities and result in global motor disability and physical inactivity of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. ObjectivesThis study sought to delineate the profile of candidates for liver transplantation while on the waiting list at the Clinical Hospital of State University Campinas (UNICAMP), and to assess and verify whether there is a correlation between functional status of the individuals tested using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), pulmonary function test (PFT), and respiratory muscle strength with end-stage liver disease candidates for liver transplantation. MethodsThis study was carried out in the Liver Transplantation Unit of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). We included 46 patients with end-stage liver disease who underwent the following evaluations: medical history, 6MWT, PFT, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and SF-36. ResultsCorrelations were found between the respiratory variables 6MWT and PFT. The walked distance was correlated with MIP and MEP. There was no correlation between the 6MWT and the variables body mass index and age. ConclusionCandidates for liver transplantation have decreased muscle strength, normal lung function, and impaired quality of life, mainly due to physical limitations. Functional status may be correlated with the respiratory assessment (muscle strength and pulmonary function test) in liver disease candidates for transplantation.

Therapeutic effects and predictive factors for successful intravesical hyaluronic acid instillation in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

ObjectiveHyaluronic acid (HA) is currently used in Taiwan as intravesical instillation for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). This study investigated the therapeutic effects of HA on IC/BPS in the Taiwanese population. Materials and methodsMen and women aged ≥18 years with documented IC/BPS were initially treated with four weekly intravesical HA instillations (treatment time, 1 month) and then with five monthly instillations (total treatment time, 6 months). Clinical assessments included the evaluation of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of bladder pain, O'Leary–Sant Symptom (OSS) score, IC Symptom Index (ICSI), IC Problem Index (ICPI), functional bladder capacity (FBC), uroflowmetry parameters, and global response assessment (GRA). Therapeutic effects were compared between responders (GRA increased ≥ 2 scales) and nonresponders (GRA increased < 2). Multivariate linear analysis was used to determine predictive factor for successful treatment. ResultsA total of 64 patients (3 men and 61 women) with mean age of 49.4 years (range, 20–79) completed the study. Compared with the baseline data, VAS, ICSI, ICPI, OSS score, daytime frequency, nocturia, and FBC all improved at 1 month or 6 months after starting HA treatment. Significantly more improvements in ICSI, ICPI, OSS score, VAS, and FBC were noted in the responders than in the nonresponders at 6 months of treatment. A low-grade glomerulation was the only predictor for successful treatment response to intravesical HA treatment. ConclusionIntravesical HA administrations improved IC symptoms, decreased bladder pain, and decreased frequency after four instillations, and decreased nocturia and increased bladder capacity after completion of all nine instillations. Low-grade glomerulation predicts successful outcome.

I05 Dysphagia In Huntington's Disease: A Study With Bedside Swallowing Assessment Scale

<h3></h3> Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterised by motor impairment, cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders. Dysphagia is a pathologic condition that increases morbidity and mortality of the affected people because of its complications: malnutrition, dehydration, airways obstruction and aspiration pneumonia. Patients with HD may develop dysphagia with the progression of the disease. Our aim was to evaluate, in a group of HD patients, the prevalence of dysphagia, its correlation with motor and cognitive disorders and patient’s functionality. We recruited 37 patients with a genetically confirmed HD, attending the Ambulatory for Huntington’s chorea of the Neurological Science Department of Bari University, and evaluated them with Bedside Swallowing Assessment Scale (BSAS) of Smithard modified by Masotti for dysphagic symptoms, and with the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) for HD. We considered both total score and partial scores of UHDRS-Motor. A group of 46 controls matched for sex and age, was recruited to normalise the scores of the BSAS on sex and age. According to the BSAS, the 36,6% of our HD patients was dysphagic. There was no correlation between dysphagia and motor, cognitive or functional impairment. The group of dysphagic patients did not present with more severe choreic movements in the Oro Buccal District, compared to the not dysphagic ones. In our HD patients, dysphagia seemed not to be correlated to movement impairment, including hypekinesias in Oro Buccal District. In addition, it did not imply more severe invalidity, according to Total Functional Capacity and Functional Assessment scales, which evaluate patient’s capacity in feeding in a single item. Severe dysphagia seems a not frequent symptom in HD. However, more focused evaluation is needed to confirm its impact on clinical outcome of the disease.

Functional capacity in adults with hypertension as assessed by the six-minute walk distance test: systematic review

This study systematically reviewed the six-minute walk test (6MWT) for assessment of functional capacity of adults with hypertension subjected or not to physical rehabilitation, focusing in walked distance (6MWD) and blood pressure. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, PEDro, Cochrane, Redalyc, and national journals of physiotherapy using the keywords hipertensao (hypertension) and teste de caminhada de seis minutos (six-minute walk test) without language or period constraints. Six studies were included: one case-control, one clinical trial, two quasi-experimental and two series of cases. Results from cross-sectional studies suggest preservation of the 6MWD in the mild stage of hypertension, whereas significant lower values in the more severe stage of hypertension or in the presence of comorbidities. Longitudinal studies suggest that the 6MWT is sensitive to the increase in functional capacity due to adaptations from physical rehabilitation programs. Two major limitations compromise the external validity of the included studies: samples with specific phenotypes (same sex; same hypertension stage; narrow age group) and the small sample size (range 8 to 32). The low methodological quality reinforces the need for researches with larger samples and different phenotypes of hypertension.

Epidemiology of distal femur fractures in France in 2011–12

IntroductionEpidemiological study of femoral fractures has been dominated by proximal fractures. Distal fracture requires equal attention for correct management. Patients and methodsA prospective study in 12 French hospital centres between June 1st, 2011 and May 31st, 2012 recruited cases of non-pathologic distal femoral fracture in patients over 15 years of age without ipsilateral knee prosthesis. ResultsThere were 183 fractures in 177 patients. Mean age was 63.5 years. Female patients (60.5%) were significantly older than males (mean age, respectively 73 versus 48.4 years). Walking was unrestricted in only 83 patients (46.89%). On the AO/OTA (Orthopaedic Trauma Association) classification, there were 86 type A fractures (47%), 29 type B (15.8%) and 68 type C (37.2%). Fractures were open in 32 cases (17.5%), most frequently in male, young patients and type C fracture. Causal trauma was low-energy (fall from own height) in 108 cases, most frequently in female patients and type A fracture. Forty-five patients were proximal femoral implant bearers. ConclusionDistal femoral fracture shows highly variable epidemiology. AO/OTA type A fracture mainly involves elderly, relatively dependent female subjects. Outcome study requires radiographic data and assessment of functional capacity. Level of evidence IVProspective cohort study.

Assessment of functional capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: implications for recommending exercise

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic symmetric polyarthritis of large and small joints and by morning stiffness that may lead to musculoskeletal impairment, with functional impotence. The concept of functionality relates to the ability of an individual to perform effectively and independently daily activities and tasks of everyday life. The aim of this review is to familiarize the rheumatologist with the concept of functional capacity evaluation and with the tests that can be applied in this population, as these are important steps for a proper exercise prescription. From functional tests already used in the elderly population, the Physical Fitness and Rheumatology Laboratory – LAR – Brasilia, which is accompanying patients from Brasilia Cohort of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis, describes in this article a protocol of tests to assess functional capacity for application in patients with RA, including the description of tests: 1) Sit and Reach; 2) Agility/Dynamic Balance; 3) Manual Dynamometry; 4) Sit Back and Lift; 5) Biceps Curl and 6) Six-minute Walk Test.

Six Minute Walk Test Is a Better Predictor of Waitlist Mortality Than Sarcopenia in Liver Transplant Candidates.

Sarcopenia is commonly seen in liver transplant (LT) candidates. Physical inactivity, reduction in health related quality of life and impairment in functional capacity also exists. Six minute walk distance (6MWD) and short form 36 (SF-36) can be used to assess exercise capacity and quality of life respectively in these patients. Pre-LT detailed functional assessment using sarcopenia, 6MWD and SF 36 scores has not been explored before. Aim To evaluate and compare the functional capacity and health related quality of life using sarcopenia, 6MWD and SF-36 scores between patients transplanted or still awaiting LT vs. patients who died on the wait list. Methods 275 patients listed for LT were divided into 2 groups. Group A (n=241) included all patients who remained on the wait list or underwent LT. Group B (n=34) comprised all patients who died on the wait list. 6MWD, SF-36 scores (physical component score (PSC) and mental component score (MCS) were collected. Cross sectional imaging (CT or MRI) at the level of L3 vertebrae were analyzed using SliceOmatic software to determine skeletal muscle index and sarcopenia. Results Hepatitis C (45%) was the most common indication for LT. Demographics and clinical parameters of patients enrolled in both groups A and B are shown in Table 1.Table: No Caption available.Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated age, MELD score, albumin, INR, bilirubin and 6MWD as significant predictors for mortality. By multivariate analysis, 6MWD (≤250 vs. ≥250, HR: 3.9 p= 0.0018), age (HR: 1.5, p=0.04) and MELD (HR: 1.14, p<0.001) but not sarcopenia (HR 1.9 p=0.09) were associated with mortality on wait list. Conclusions 6MWD is reduced in LT candidates and is associated with increased risk of death on the wait list. Compared to sarcopenia and SF 36 scores, 6MWD is a better predictor of mortality and we propose using 6MWD for overall assessment of global functional capacity in LT candidates. It is vital to incorporate measures of functional status into existing pre-LT evaluation to improve patient survival and minimize postoperative complications.

The Impact of Salivary Testosterone Levels on the Quality of Life of a Community-Based Population in Japan

Background: The Japanese population is aging extremely rapidly. Healthy longevity and quality of life (QOL) for the elderly depend on physical and mental well-being, which stem from physical activity of moderate frequency and intensity, and a balanced diet. A biological marker that is associated with healthy longevity and QOL is needed for the organization of a regional health policy. This study examined the relationships between salivary testosterone and QOL of the elderly inhabitants of Miyakojima, an island in Okinawa Prefecture. Methods: This community-based study included 193 elderly people (96 men and 97 women), aged 50 years or older, living in Miyakojima. The participants were randomly assigned from the database of Miyakojima inhabitants. QOL of the subjects was evaluated by questionnaires. Salivary testosterone was measured by enzyme immunoassay. We constructed a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the relationships between saliva testosterone levels and lifestyle and the index of quality of life. Results: Salivary testosterone was available in 50 of 96 males and 29 of 97 females. The mean age of participants was 65.4±11.1 years (64.2±10.4 in males, 66.6±11.7 in females). The mean testosterone level was 53.8±51.5 pg/mL in males and 23.5±28.6 pg/mL in females. In SEM, the influence indices from the constructive concepts to observe variables showed relatively high path coefficients. Testosterone levels have positive effects on functional capacity, vitality, and QOL in men over 65. Conclusions: Salivary testosterone levels correlated with functional capacity, vitality, and QOL in men over 65. Salivary testosterone also correlated with women's QOL. For the assessment of functional capacity, vitality, and QOL in the local elderly population, salivary testosterone can be a good surrogate biological marker.

Development of a virtual reality assessment of everyday living skills.

Cognitive impairments affect the majority of patients with schizophrenia and these impairments predict poor long term psychosocial outcomes. Treatment studies aimed at cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia not only require demonstration of improvements on cognitive tests, but also evidence that any cognitive changes lead to clinically meaningful improvements. Measures of “functional capacity” index the extent to which individuals have the potential to perform skills required for real world functioning. Current data do not support the recommendation of any single instrument for measurement of functional capacity. The Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT) is a novel, interactive gaming based measure of functional capacity that uses a realistic simulated environment to recreate routine activities of daily living. Studies are currently underway to evaluate and establish the VRFCAT’s sensitivity, reliability, validity, and practicality. This new measure of functional capacity is practical, relevant, easy to use, and has several features that improve validity and sensitivity of measurement of function in clinical trials of patients with CNS disorders.

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills

Cognitive impairments affect the majority of patients with schizophrenia and these impairments predict poor long term psychosocial outcomes. Treatment studies aimed at cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia not only require demonstration of improvements on cognitive tests, but also evidence that any cognitive changes lead to clinically meaningful improvements. Measures of “functional capacity” index the extent to which individuals have the potential to perform skills required for real world functioning. Current data do not support the recommendation of any single instrument for measurement of functional capacity. The Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT) is a novel, interactive gaming based measure of functional capacity that uses a realistic simulated environment to recreate routine activities of daily living. Studies are currently underway to evaluate and establish the VRFCAT’s sensitivity, reliability, validity, and practicality. This new measure of functional capacity is practical, relevant, easy to use, and has several features that improve validity and sensitivity of measurement of function in clinical trials of patients with CNS disorders.

The effect of language on functional capacity assessment in middle-aged and older US Latinos with schizophrenia

The U.S. Latino population is steadily increasing, prompting a need for cross-cultural outcome measures in schizophrenia research. This study examined the contribution of language to functional assessment in middle-aged Latino patients with schizophrenia by comparing 29 monolingual Spanish-speakers, 29 Latino English-speakers, and 29 non-Latino English-speakers who were matched on relevant demographic variables and who completed cognitive and functional assessments in their native language. There were no statistically significant differences between groups on the four everyday functioning variables (UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment [UPSA], Social Skills Performance Assessment [SSPA], Medication Management Ability Assessment [MMAA], and the Global Assessment of Functioning [GAF]). The results support the cross-linguistic and cross-cultural acceptability of these functional assessment instruments. It appears that demographic variables other than language (e.g., age, education) better explain differences in functional assessment among ethnically diverse subpopulations. Considering the influence of these other factors in addition to language on functional assessments will help ensure that measures can be appropriately interpreted among the diverse residents of the United States.

Early Assessment of Functional Capacity with Patients After Degenerative Change in the Spine — Preliminary Reports

Introduction. Degenerative Disease of the spine is characterised by progressive damage of the intervertebral disc and articular cartilage, which deteriorates biomechanical properties of the spine promotes micro-traumatic effect in articular capsules and the ligament system.Aim. The study aims at assessing the functional capacity in patients before and after surgery treatment of the dege­nerative change in the spine.Material and Methods. Tests were carried out in the Department and Clinic of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology at CM UMK on the group of 58 patients operated on because of the degenerative change in the spine. Direct observation with the use of measurements before and after operations treatment was applied. In the assessment of patient there was applied Functional Capacity Scale — FCS, Functional Independence Measure — FIM, Oswestry Disability Index — ODI and Functional Index Repty — FIR.Results. There was observed a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in pain intensity before and after surgery. Pain intensity after surgery was significantly reduced. There were also observed statistically significant correlations (p&lt;0.05) between the FCS scale and FIM (rs=0.5260), ODI (rs=-0.4325) and FIR (rs=0.4451).Conclusions. It was proved that functionality of patients after the surgery on the day of discharging form hospital had been significantly improved compared to the pre-surgical period. The analysis of patient’s condition showed a statistically significant correlation between each scale applied in the assessment of the functional condition. (JNNN 2014;3(1):25–30)

Decrease of Urinary Nerve Growth Factor but Not Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Treated with Hyaluronic Acid

AimsTo investigate urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients after hyaluronic acid (HA) therapy.MethodsThirty-three patients with IC/BPS were prospectively studied; a group of 45 age-matched healthy subjects served as controls. All IC/BPS patients received nine intravesical HA instillations during the 6-month treatment regimen. Urine samples were collected for measuring urinary NGF and BDNF levels at baseline and 2 weeks after the last HA treatment. The clinical parameters including visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, daily frequency nocturia episodes, functional bladder capacity (FBC) and global response assessment (GRA) were recorded. Urinary NGF and BDNF levels were compared between IC/BPS patients and controls at baseline and after HA treatment.ResultsUrinary NGF, NGF/Cr, BDNF, and BDNF/Cr levels were significantly higher in IC/BPS patients compared to controls. Both NGF and NGF/Cr levels significantly decreased after HA treatment. Urinary NGF and NGF/Cr levels significantly decreased in the responders with a VAS pain reduction by 2 (both p < 0.05) and the GRA improved by 2 (both p < 0.05), but not in non-responders. Urinary BDNF and BDNF/Cr did not decrease in responders or non-responders after HA therapy.ConclusionsUrinary NGF, but not BDNF, levels decreased significantly after HA therapy; both of these factors remained higher than in controls even after HA treatment. HA had a beneficial effect on IC/BPS, but it was limited. The reduction of urinary NGF levels was significant in responders, with a reduction of pain and improved GRA.

Virtual reality functional capacity assessment in schizophrenia: Preliminary data regarding feasibility and correlations with cognitive and functional capacity performance

IntroductionAssessment of functional capacity is an intrinsic part of determining the functional relevance of response to treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Existing methods are highly and consistently correlated with performance on neuropsychological tests, but most current assessments of functional capacity are still paper and pencil simulations. We developed a computerized virtual reality assessment that contains all of the components of a shopping trip. MethodsWe administered the Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT) to 54 healthy controls and to 51 people with schizophrenia to test its feasibility. Dependent variables for the VRFCAT included time to completion and errors on 12 objectives and the number of times that an individual failed to complete an objective. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and a standard functional capacity measure, the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment-Brief (UPSA-B), were administered to the patients with schizophrenia. ResultsPatients with schizophrenia performed more poorly than healthy controls on 10/11 of the time variables, as well as 2/12 error scores and 2/12 failed objectives. Pearson correlations for 7 of 15 VRFCAT variables with MCCB composite scores were statistically significant. ConclusionThese results provide support for the possibility of computerized functional capacity assessment, but more substantial studies are required.

Assessment of body composition, functional capacity and pulmonary function in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is related to a low body mass index (BMI), reduced functional capacity and reduced bone density, thus justifying the importance of evaluating all of these parameters in the patients with the disease. This is a cross-sectional study, with sample consisting of 20 patients who performed measurement of body composition by bioelectrical impedance, evaluation of functional capacity by the distance traveled in the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) and assessment of severity of obstruction by spirometry. Significant differences were found between the travelled and scheduled distance in the ISWT (p&lt;0.01), positive correlations between muscle mass and distance walked in ISWT (r=0.54 with p=0.01), with FEV1 (r=0.488 with p=0.02), FEV1 and bone mass (r=0.497 with p=0.02) and distance traveled with FEV1 (r=0,541 with p=0.01). The correlations found in this study, besides confirming the hypothesis that the severity of the obstruction presented by the change in the lung parenchyma in patients with COPD is related to changes in body composition and functional capacity reduction, also highlight the correlation with bone mass.

The course and correlates of everyday functioning in schizophrenia

Previously institutionalized older patients with schizophrenia show changes in cognitive and functional capacity over time. This study examined changes in real-world functioning in a sample of people with schizophrenia who varied in their history of long-term institutionalization and related changes in real world functioning to changes in cognition and functional capacity over the follow-up period.Older patients with schizophrenia (n=111) were examined with assessments of cognitive functioning, functional capacity, clinical symptoms, and everyday functioning. They were then followed up to 45 months and examined up to two times. Mixed-model regression was used to examine changes in real-world functioning in social, everyday living, and vocational domains over the follow-up period and identify potential predictors of change.Everyday functioning worsened over time in all three domains. Although length of longest hospitalization predicted worsening, this influence was eliminated when the course of functional capacity was used to predict the course of everyday functioning. For both vocational and everyday living domains, as well as the composite score on functional status, worsening in performance based measures of everyday functioning and social competence predicted worsening in real world functioning. Changes in negative symptoms further predicted worsening in the everyday living domain.Worsening in everyday functioning is found in people with schizophrenia and those with a history of greater chronicity and severity of illness seem more affected. These influences seem to be expressed through worsening in the ability to perform everyday functional skills. Potential causes of these changes and implications for reducing these impairments are discussed.

The 6-min walk test: an independent correlate of elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity in children and young adult sickle cell patients

Elevation of echocardiography-determined tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) predicts high systolic pulmonary artery pressure. The present study tested the hypotheses that elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity is associated with both hemolysis and hypoxia and abnormal 6-min walk test (6MWT) results. This study aims to correlate elevated TRV with different clinical laboratory findings and 6MWT and to find the independent predictors of increased TRV. A prospective study of 80 patients aged 5-25years old with sickle cell disease (SCD) under basal conditions and 40 matched controls was conducted. Hemolytic analysis was assessed by the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, serum bilirubin, and reticulocyte count. Oxygen saturation determination using pulse oximeter and 6MWT were done. The overall prevalence of elevated TRV (≥2.5m/s) was 28.75%. Associated risk factors were older age (r = 0.28, p = 0.01), longer duration of disease (r = 0.25, p = 0.025), higher reticulocytic count (r = 0.344, p = 0.002), lower O2 saturation (r = -0.574, p = 0.0001), and shorter walked distance in 6MWT (r = -0.75, p = 0.0001). By multivariate logistic analysis, only the distance walked during 6MWT was the independent correlate of elevated TRV (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.98 p = 0.033). The study provides evidence for independent association of TRV with abnormal 6MWT results. The 6-min walk test can be used as noninvasive adjuvant tool for functional capacity assessment of SCD patients with elevated TRV.

A quantification of the treadmill 6-min walk test using the MyWellness Key™ accelerometer

BackgroundAccelerometers have been suggested to provide additional information during the 6-min walk test which may be useful in evaluating changes in functional exercise capacity. The aim of the study was to identify whether the additional information measured by the MyWellness Key™ (MWK) accelerometer during a treadmill 6-min walk test (t-6MWT) was related to currently used outcome measures. MethodsFifteen participants (9 males, 6 females) performed a self-paced t-6MWT. Respiratory gas analysis and walking distance were measured whilst wearing the MWK. ResultsA significant correlation was established between activity counts and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) (r = −0.847, p < 0.001) yet not 6-min walk work (6MWW) (r = −0.337, p = 0.220). Energy expenditure estimated by the MWK was strongly correlated to 6MWW (r = 0.938, p < 0.001) but not 6MWD (r = 0.477, p = 0.072). The MWK significantly underestimated energy expenditure (36.73, CI = 33.9–39.7 kcal) compared to gas analysis (54.35, CI = 46.2–61.4 kcal) demonstrating poor agreement between the two analyses (Bias = −17.61 kcal, Limits of agreement = −37.4, +2.2 kcal). Measurement of time spent undertaking light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the MWK and gas analysis. ConclusionEstimated energy expenditure provided by the MWK was strongly correlated to 6MWW; however, MWK underestimated energy expenditure as measured by gas analysis. The MWK may provide outcome data that supplement those currently provided by the 6MWD for functional capacity assessment during the t-6MWT.