Six-minute Walk Test Research Articles

The Impact of Stimulation Parameters on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Chronic Stroke Patients Following Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation-A Pilot Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

Stroke survivors often experience autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. While Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to modulate the ANS when applied to the left hemisphere, its effects on the right hemisphere remain unexplored. We aimed to compare the effects of tDCS applied to both the injured and the contralateral hemispheres on heart rate variability (HRV) and functional capacity in individuals post-stroke. Twenty individuals with cerebral hemisphere lesions (ten with right-hemisphere lesions and ten with left-hemisphere lesions) were randomized into four groups: anodal and sham tDCS on the left temporal cortex (T3) and anodal and sham tDCS on the right temporal cortex (T4). HRV was assessed before the intervention, after the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and following tDCS. HRV data were categorized into frequency ranges: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and sympathovagal balance. The 6MWT (meters) was conducted both pre- and post-tDCS. In individuals with right-hemisphere lesions, a higher global LF value was observed (right side: 71.4 ± 16.8 nu vs. left side: 65.7 ± 17.3 nu; p = 0.008), as well as lower values of the HF component (right side: 29.5 ± 18.9 nu vs. left side: 34.0 ± 17.4 nu; p = 0.047), consequently exhibiting higher global values of the low/high-frequency ratio (right side: 3.9 ± 2.8 vs. left side: 2.9 ± 2.4). Regarding the stimulation site, tDCS over T3 led to a lower overall value of the low/high-frequency ratio (left hemisphere: 3.0 ± 2.2 vs. right hemisphere: 3.7 ± 2.9; p = 0.040) regardless of the lesion location. A significant increase in the distance covered in the 6MWT was observed for individuals with lesions in both hemispheres after tDCS at T3. Participants with right-hemisphere lesions exhibited superior global sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity. When the tDCS was applied on the left hemisphere, it maintained lower sympathovagal balance values and improved functional capacity regardless of the hemisphere affected by the stroke.

Fisioterapia pulmonar pós-COVID-19: um estudo de caso

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in Wuhan in late December 2019, spreading across the world with a high rate of contamination. The COVID-19 covers a large number of sequelae in the respiratory system, which entails a need for intense physiotherapy intervention. Thus, it was objected in the present study to evaluate the effectiveness of post-COVID-19 pulmonary physiotherapy in a patient at a Physiotherapy Clinic School in the city of Montes Claros, MG. For this, it was used the case study as a methodology, which was carried out with a male patient, 62 years old, brown, divorced, with one child, with no report of previous illnesses, coming from the city of Montes Azul-MG, admitted in a Physiotherapy Clinic School with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, post-COVID-19, being submitted to tests to assess their perceptions of exertion through the modified Borg scale, that is, the Six-Minute Walking Test and the muscle strength based on the Kendall scale. In view of the conduct performed, it is concluded that physiotherapy rehabilitation is an important resource in post-Covid-19 treatment, with regard to the proportion of sequelae caused by such infection.

Exploring Functional Improvements by Sex in Six-Minute Walk Test, Exertional Angina, and Dyspnea After Enhanced External Counterpulsation Therapy.

The objective of this study was to explore functional improvements by sex for patients with refractory angina pectoris using a 6-min walk test (6MWT) after enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy. All patients who completed EECP from 2015 to 2023 were identified for analysis retrospectively, utilizing the electronic medical record. Patients completed 35 1-hr EECP sessions 5 d/wk over 7wk. All baseline and post-EECP intervention 6MWT, exertional angina, and dyspnea measurements were assessed on the first and last sessions, respectively. Paired and unpaired t tests and linear and stepwise multivariable regression analyses were performed. The cohort consisted of 116 patients (24 female) with a mean age of 69±13yr. After EECP, there was a mean improvement of 128 m (72%) in distance walked during the 6MWT ( P <.001) with 126±91 m improvement in males and 134±73 m in females. The improvement in angina and dyspnea scores was 3.5±2.1 and 4.2±2.4, respectively. There were no differences between the sexes for improvements in 6MWT distance, angina, or dyspnea. Univariate associations for change in 6MWT distance included body mass index (BMI; adjusted R2 =.05) and being a nonsmoker (adjusted R2 =.03). The only independent predictor for increasing distance during 6MWT was BMI (adjusted R2 =.1; P =.001). Patients who have refractory angina pectoris can improve their functional capacity while simultaneously decreasing exertional angina and dyspnea using EECP. This study highlights the equal efficacy of EECP therapy for females.

The Combined Effects of Endurance and Strength Training on Exercise Tolerance and Quality of Life in Patients with COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impairs exercise tolerance and quality of life due to respiratory and systemic effects. Exercise training, including endurance and strength modalities, is a cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation, yet the combined effects of these training methods remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of endurance and strength training on exercise tolerance and quality of life in COPD patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 100 COPD patients assigned to four groups: Endurance Training, Strength Training, Combined Training, and Control. The interventions were implemented over 12 weeks, with outcomes assessed pre- and post-intervention, including the six-minute walk test (6MWT) for exercise tolerance and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for quality of life. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons to determine group differences. The Combined Training group demonstrated the most significant improvement in exercise tolerance, with a mean increase of 72.4 meters in 6MWT distance, compared to 48.7 meters in the Endurance group and 34.2 meters in the Strength group. Quality of life, measured by SGRQ, improved significantly across all intervention groups, with the greatest reduction in total SGRQ scores observed in the Combined Training group (12.6 points), indicating enhanced physical and psychological well-being. Additional improvements in muscle strength and endurance capacity were also most pronounced in the Combined Training group. Combined endurance and strength training provide superior benefits in enhancing exercise tolerance, muscle strength, and quality of life in COPD patients compared to either modality alone. These findings support the integration of multimodal exercise regimens in pulmonary rehabilitation programs to optimize outcomes for COPD patients.

P189 HYPERTENSION AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA SYNDROME IN ADULTS WITH HEART FAILURE IN NIGERIA: CLINICAL CORRELATES AND ASSOCIATION WITH CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Rationale: Heart failure (HF) is a common endpoint for cardiovascular diseases. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hypertension is a leading cause of HF; a significant proportion of HF patients also have obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) which is known to impact clinical outcomes adversely. The diagnosis of OSAS is often missed due to inadequate clinical diagnosis and diagnostic backup. This study aims to add to the body of evidence thereby improving outcomes in HF patients. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 200 consenting adults with HF at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Each participant had relevant medical history, physical examination (including a six-minute walk test distance) and relevant investigations. OSAS was diagnosed using high-risk scores obtained using Berlin and STOP-Bang questionnaires, daytime somnolence was assessed by Epworth questionnaire and quality of life by Minnesota living with HF questionnaire. Comorbidities were assessed using Charlson comorbidity index (CCI)) and hospitalizations in the preceding 12 months documented. Data was analyzed using Stata version 13. Results: Hypertension was the aetiology of HF in 41% of the study population and 62.8% of the subset with OSAS (p=0.001). OSAS was identified in 47% and 45.5% by high-risk scores obtained using Berlin and STOP-Bang questionnaires respectively. Significant daytime somnolence was identified in 56.0% of the study population and 93.6% of those with OSAS, (p&lt;0.001). Those with OSAS had a significant association with hypertension (p=0.001), atrial fibrillation (p&lt;0.001), obesity (p=0.002), higher comorbidity index (p=0.001), HF with preserved ejection pattern (p=0.001) and NYHA ≥3 (p&lt;0.001). OSAS was significantly associated with six-minute WTD ≤ 300m, hospitalizations (p&lt;0.001) and sub-optimal quality of life (p=0.003). Conclusion: Hypertension and OSAS are significantly associated and are common in HF. It is recommended to routinely screen HF patients for OSAS as the diagnosis is often missed with consequent adverse clinical outcomes. This will facilitate prompt diagnosis, enhance management and favourable clinical outcomes in HF patients.

The Effects of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme on Functional Capacity and Strength of Respiratory Muscles in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome.

The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PR) on the functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength of patients with post-COVID syndrome. A cross-sectional study was conducted using hospital data on patients who participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme at the Clinic for Lung Diseases, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, between January 2021 and December 2022. Data on the spirometry, respiratory muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity of patients were collected at baseline and three weeks after the start of rehabilitation. The study included 80 patients (43 females, 37 males) with a mean age of 51±10 years. A significant increase in respiratory muscle strength (P<0.001) was observed after pulmonary rehabilitation, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (Cohen's d from 0.39 to 1.07), whereas the effect for PImax expressed as a percentage was large (Cohen's d=0.99). In addition, the pulmonary rehabilitation programme significantly improved the parameters of the six-minute walk test in patients, and the parameters of lung function, FVC, FEV1, and DLCO also improved significantly after PR (P<0.05). The results showed that the pulmonary rehabilitation programme has clinically significant effects on functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in patients with post-COVID syndrome.

Whole-body vibration versus gravity force stimulation on postural stability in children with Down syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose. To compare how functional walking ability and postural stability are affected in children with DS by whole-body vibration and gravity force stimulation. Methods. This study enrolled sixty DS children from both sexes into three groups at random. A structured physical therapy plan was given to the control and both study groups. Whole-body vibration (WBV) and gravity force stimulation (GFS) were given to the study groups (I) and (II) respectively. Postural stability indices (overall, mediolateral, and anteroposterior) and functional walking capacity were assessed by the Biodex balance system (BBS) and six-minute walk test (6MWT) respectively. The intervention session was conducted thrice/week for 12 consecutive weeks. Results. All stability indices at stability levels 8 and 5 significantly decreased after-intervention compared to before-intervention, but the 6MWT significantly increased in all three groups. All stability indices at stability levels 8 and 5 showed a significant decrease after-intervention, and the 6MWT in all three groups significantly increased in favor of study groups (WBV) and (GFS). However, there were no significant differences in all stability indices at stability levels 8 and 5 and in 6MWT between study groups (WBV) and (GFS) after-intervention. Conclusion. Whole-body vibration and gravity force stimulation both had a similar effect on postural stability and functional walking capacity among children who have Down syndrome.

A Randomized Study of Myostaal® Liniment as an Add-On Therapy for Muscle Strengthening in Cases of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative musculoskeletal condition, affecting approximately 277 million people worldwide, with significant impacts on mobility, especially in women and obese patients, and an increasing incidence among Indians aged 30 to 50 years. The primary objective was to evaluate the knee muscle-strengthening effect of Myostaal® liniment (Solumiks Herbaceuticals Limited, Mumbai, India) as an add-on to physiotherapy for 90 days compared to physiotherapy alone in participants with knee OA. Secondary objectives included assessing changes in the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)score, WOMAC Subscale scores, Six-Minute Walk Test(6MWT) distance, Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) duration, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and the number of adverse events from baseline to Day 90 between the two groups. Seventy participants were randomly allocated to Group A (Myostaal® liniment plus physiotherapy) or Group B (physiotherapy alone) for 90 days, with Myostaal® liniment applied twice daily in Group A. Data were recorded in Case Report Forms (CRFs) and analyzed using parametric tests for within-group comparisons (one-way ANOVA or Friedman test) and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney test) for between-group comparisons, with significance set at p<0.05. The knee muscle strength (index knee) in Group A (test medication group) was significantly greater compared to Group B (standard treatment group) at Visit 3 (p<0.05; Day 60±3) and Visit 4 (p<0.001; Day 90±3). For the non-index (other) knee, a statistically significant increase in knee muscle strength was observed (p<0.001 at Day 90±3) solely in Group A. A notable reduction in total WOMAC score was seen in Group A from Visit 2 (p<0.01; Day 30±3) onward, compared to Visit 1 (Day 0). The scores at Visit 3 (p<0.001; Day 60±3) and Visit 4 (p<0.001; Day 90±3) were significantly lower than those at Visit 2 (Day 30±3). The local application of Myostaal® liniment through massage as an adjunct to a physiotherapy regimen, improved knee muscle strength in participants with knee OA, leading to an enhancement in joint functionality. Additionally, Myostaal® linimentprovided superior pain relief as an add-on therapy.

Evaluation and Prevention of Perioperative Respiratory Failure.

Respiratory failure is a common perioperative complication. The risk of respiratory failure can be reduced with effective preoperative evaluation, preventative measures, and knowledge of evidence-based management techniques. Effective preoperative screening methods include ARISCAT scoring, OSA screening, and the LAS VEGAS score (including the ASA physical status score). Evaluation by the six-minute walk test and a routine pulmonary physical exam has been shown to be effective at predicting postoperative pulmonary complications, whereas evidence on the predictive power of pulmonary function tests and chest radiography has been inconclusive. Preoperative smoking cessation and lung expansion maneuvers have been shown to decrease the risk of pulmonary complications postoperatively. Intraoperative management techniques that decrease the pulmonary complication risk include neuromuscular blockade reversal with sugammadex, limiting surgical times to less than 3 h when possible, lung-protective ventilation techniques, and multimodal analgesia to decrease opioid usage. In the immediate postoperative period, providers should be prepared to quickly treat bronchospasm, hypoventilation, and upper airway obstruction. For post-surgical patients who remain in the hospital, the risk of pulmonary complications can be decreased with lung expansion techniques, adequate analgesia, automated continuous postoperative ward monitoring, non-invasive ventilatory support, and early mobilization. This article was written to analyze the available literature on this topic in order to learn and practice the prevention of perioperative respiratory failure when caring for patients on a daily basis.

Balance confidence classification in people with a lower limb amputation using six minute walk test smartphone sensor signals.

The activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC) assesses balance confidence during common activities. While low balance confidence can result in activity avoidance, excess confidence can increase fall risk. People with lower limb amputations can present with inconsistent gait, adversely affecting their balance confidence. Previous research demonstrated that clinical outcomes in this population (e.g., stride parameters, fall risk) can be determined from smartphone signals collected during walk tests, but this has not been evaluated for balance confidence. Fifty-eight (58) individuals with lower limb amputation completed a six-minute walk test (6MWT) while a smartphone at the posterior pelvis was used for signal collection. Participant ABC scores were categorized as low confidence or high confidence. A random forest classified ABC groups using features from each step, calculated from smartphone signals. The random forest correctly classified the confidence level of 47 of 58 participants (accuracy 81.0%, sensitivity 63.2%, specificity 89.7%). This research demonstrated that smartphone signal data can classify people with lower limb amputations into balance confidence groups after completing a 6MWT. Integration of this model into the TOHRC Walk Test app would provide balance confidence classification, in addition to previously demonstrated clinical outcomes, after completing a single assessment and could inform individualized rehabilitation programs to improve confidence and prevent activity avoidance.

A Scoping Review of Factor-Related Cognitive Impairment in Interstitial Lung Disease.

Understanding the risk factors for cognitive impairment in interstitial lung disease (ILD) can help guide disease management tailored to cognitive function. However, no review articles or randomized controlled trial articles have been found for cognitive impairment in ILD. This scoping review aimed to systematically map studies on factor-related cognitive impairment in ILD and organize current knowledge. Literature on cognitive impairment in ILD was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO and manually searched using Google. Three researchers screened the relevant literature. Six studies were extracted: four were case-control studies; one was a cross-sectional study; and one was a prospective cohort study. The extracted literature lacked studies with a high level of evidence and only reported factor-related cognitive impairment in ILD, not risk factors. Factors related to cognitive impairment were carbon monoxide pulmonary diffusing capacity, FEV1/FVC, hospitalization for lung transplantation, delirium during hospitalization, apnea-hypopnea index and Epworth sleepiness scale scores, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, abnormal pulmonary artery pressure, hypoxemia, post-exercise arterial blood oxygen partial pressure and heart rate, and six-minute walk test results. This scoping review presents the current knowledge on the risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in ILD. The extracted literature did not include reports on the risk factors for cognitive impairment in ILD and was limited to reports on related factors. Buildingevidence on this topic is desirable for understanding the risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with ILD.

Performance in the Six-Minute Walking Test Does Not Discriminate Excessive Erythrocytosis Patients in a Severe Hypoxic Environment.

Chronic exposure to severe hypoxia causes an increase in hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), which can lead to excessive erythrocytosis (EE) and impact physical performance. This work aims to determine the differences in the six-minute walking test (6MWT) between EE and healthy subjects residing at more than 5000 m. A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed on 71 men (36 healthy and 25 suffering from EE) living in La Rinconada, Peru (5100 m). Basal levels of [Hb] and Hct were obtained. All the subjects performed the 6MWT, and distance reached, vital signs, dyspnea, and fatigue (Borg scale) at the end of the test were recorded. The average [Hb] and Hct levels in the control group were 18.7 ± 1.2 g/dL and 60.4 ± 7.1%, respectively, contrasting with EE subjects, who showed 23.4 ± 1.6 g/dL and 73.6 ± 5.9% (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in BMI or other anthropometric parameters. At the end of the 6MWT, the distance traveled and vital constants were similar between both groups, except for arterial oxygen saturation, which was consistently lower in subjects with EE throughout the test. EE does not significantly affect 6MWT performance at high altitudes, nor the hemodynamic control during moderate aerobic exercise of subjects who live permanently in a severely hypoxic environment.

The Responsiveness of Exercise Tests in COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by reduced exercise tolerance and improving physical performance is an important therapeutic goal. A variety of exercise tests are commonly used to assess exercise tolerance, including laboratory and field-based tests. The responsiveness of these tests to common COPD interventions is yet to be compared, but may inform test selection in clinical and research settings. Research QuestionWhat exercise test possesses the greatest sensitivity to change pre- to post-intervention in patients with COPD? Study Design and Methods154 patients with symptomatic COPD were recruited and randomised (2:1:1) to six weeks of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), or usual care (UC). Pre- and post-intervention, participants performed a ramp-incremental and constant work rate cycle ergometer exercise test (ICET and CWRCT), incremental and endurance shuttle walk test (ISWT and ESWT), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and a four metre gait speed test (4MGS). Results103 participants (67 ± 8 y; 75 [73%] males; FEV1: 50.6 ± 16.8 % predicted) completed the study. Significant improvements in the ICET, CWRCT, ISWT, ESWT, and 6MWT were observed following PR (p<0.05), with the greatest improvements seen in the constant work rate protocols (% change: CWRCT: 42%; ESWT: 41%). InterpretationThe ESWT and CWRCT appeared to be the most responsive exercise test protocols to LAMA and PR. The magnitude of change was much greater after a programme of rehabilitation compared to bronchodilator therapy.

Feasibility, Safety, and Effects of an Aerobic Training Program with Blood Flow Restriction on Functional Capacity, and Symptomatology in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study.

Evidence suggests that aerobic training with blood flow restriction is beneficial for treating fibromyalgia. This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and effects of an aerobic training program with blood flow restriction for women with fibromyalgia. Thirty-seven women with fibromyalgia were included, and thirteen with an average age of 59 ± 3, a BMI of 26 ± 3, and who were polymedicated started the intervention period. The intervention group performed aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction using occlusive bands placed in the upper part of the rectus femoris, with a total duration of 14 min of restriction divided into two periods of 7 min with a rest period of 3 min and a total session duration of 17 min. Pressure intensity was measured using the visual pain scale (VAS), scoring 7 out of 10 (n = 7). The non-intervention group performed aerobic exercise without restriction of blood flow for the same periods, rest periods, and total duration of the session (n = 6). The intervention included 2 weekly sessions with 72 h between aerobic walking for 9 weeks. Walking was measured individually using the rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) with an intensity between 6 and 7 out of 10. Visual and verbal support for the VAS and RPE scale was always provided throughout the sessions supervised by the investigator. Functional capacity was assessed using tests (six-minute walk test, incremental shuttle walk test, knee extension and handgrip test by dynamometer, 30 s chair stand test, and timed up-and-go test). Symptomatology was assessed using questionnaires (Widespread Pain Index, Symptom Severity Score, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), and blood samples were collected. There were no adverse effects, and only one participant in the intervention group withdrew. Between-group and intragroup differences showed that the intervention group obtained improvements in the functional tests; CST p = 0.005; 6MWT p = 0.011; Handgrip p = 0.002; TUGT p = 0.002 with reduced impact of the disease according to the questionnaires; FIQ Stiffness p = 0.027 compared with the nonintervention group. Biochemical results remained within normal ranges in both groups. Blood flow-restricted aerobic training may be feasible, safe, and more effective than unrestricted aerobic training as a physical exercise prescription tool to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, balance, and stiffness in women with fibromyalgia.

Correlation between Functionality and Quality of Life in Patients after Cardiac Surgery

&lt;b&gt;Abstract&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; This study aims to investigate the relationship between early physical exercise and patients' functional ability and quality of life after cardiac surgery. A total of 100 patients, ages 18 to 65, 52 men and 48 women, took part in the early physical activity program following cardiac surgery from the first to the seventh postoperative day. The six-minute walk test (6MWT), short form-international physical activity questionnaire (SF-IPAQ), and short form-36 (SF-36) quality of life were used as outcome measures. Each test and questionnaire completed on the seventh day following cardiac surgery. According to statistical analysis, there was a statistically significant correlation (P&amp;lt;0.001) between the SF-IPAQ score and the 6MWT and SF-36. According to our findings, patients who had heart surgery reported higher levels of physical activity and better quality of life as well as increased functional ability.

Six-minute walk test among silicosis patients: Its correlation with abnormal radiographic findings on chest radiograph and high resolution computed tomography scan

Six-minute walk test among silicosis patients: Its correlation with abnormal radiographic findings on chest radiograph and high resolution computed tomography scan

Exploring the Association between Health-Related Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Whereas an exercise intervention effectively improves patients' quality of life, little information is available about the contribution of each physical fitness component. This study aims to explore the association between physical fitness components and the quality-of-life domain in patients with cancer. Between September 2021 and August 2023, 160 patients with mixed cancer types visiting the Oncology Unit were selected on a consecutive basis according to selection criteria. They underwent a comprehensive baseline assessment including the six-minute walking test, the handgrip strength test, the isometric leg press test, the back scratch, sit and reach tests, their waist-hip ratio, and their body mass index. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life and Core Questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life. The sample size was based on the use of regression models to study associations between clinical characteristics and fitness outcomes. All of the analyses were performed using the SPSS v.25 statistical package. Patients had a mean age of 58 years, 68% were female, 42% were affected by breast cancer, and all were receiving anticancer treatments. Higher functional capacity was associated with better global health status (p < 0.0001) and physical (p < 0.0001), role (p < 0.0001), emotional (p = 0.026), and social function (p = 0.016) and inversely linked with fatigue (p = 0.001). Lower-limb flexibility was significantly associated with all of the domains except for role and social functions. The waist-hip ratio was inversely associated with physical function (p < 0.0001) and positively related to fatigue (p = 0.037). Exercise programs aiming to improve the quality of life in cancer should be addressed to optimize these fitness components.

Beneficial Bacteria in the Gut Microbiota May Lead to Improved Metabolic and Immunological Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

We included 16 stable COPD patients and 16 healthy volunteer CTLs. The relative abundances of Bifidobacterium spp. (Bf) and Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) bacteria and the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla were assessed by qPCR. Pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry, biochemical parameters by colorimetric methods and plasma cytokine levels by cytometric bead array analysis. The Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio was related to emergency hospital visits and six-minute walk test (6MWT) results. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Bf was associated with plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, HDL-C and IL-10. In addition, Firmicutes levels and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were associated with the IL-12/IL-10 ratio, while Akk abundance was linked to IL-12 levels. The present findings suggest that the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the GM could influence clinical presentation and immunoregulation in COPD.

Safety, Feasibility, and Utility of Digital Mobile Six-Minute Walk Testing in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The DynAMITE Study.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening progressive cardiopulmonary disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Changes in the six-minute walk test (6MWT) provide prognostic information and help guide treatment decisions for PAH. However, since 6MWT requires in-clinic visits, clinical interventions to address disease progression may be delayed. Wearable technologies could reduce this delay by allowing the performance of 6MWT in the community and delivering data to clinicians remotely. To perform a pilot study to determine the safety and feasibility of performing 6MWT in PAH outpatients using a wearable app-based tool. PAH patients recruited at Stanford University were provided an Apple Watch with an app to perform daily, self-administered 6MWT over 12 weeks. Bland-Altman plots and correlations were used to assess the agreement and reliability of in-clinic vs. app-based 6MWT data at the beginning and end of the 12-week trial. From 55 PAH participants, we collected 3,139 app-recorded walks during 979.7 patient-weeks of exposure. On average, participants performed 3±2.3 weekly walks. No serious adverse events were reported. App-derived walk distance was highly correlated ( r ≥ 0.9) to the baseline in-clinic 6MWD and showed excellent reliability (ICC=0.9). Correlation and agreement were significantly lower at the 12-week follow-up visit. App-derived metrics beyond 6MWD showed promising associations with disease status. App-based outpatient 6MWT is feasible, safe, reasonably accurate, likely clinically relevant, and reliable in PAH patients but long-term measurement stability may be a concern. App-derived digital measures beyond distance show promise for future applications.

Thirty seconds chair stand performance is associated with six-minute walk test among postmenopausal women: inference from a cross-sectional study among women from India

Menopause is an inevitable yet normal biological process in a woman’s life. The menopausal process has been associated with a decline in muscle strength and functional capacity. Thus, the present study aimed to study the association of the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30s CST) with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) among postmenopausal women. Thirty-five postmenopausal women aged 40–55 years were included in this cross-sectional study by purposive sampling method. After initial screening and assessment 30s CST and 6MWT were recorded as per standardised guidelines. The mean and Standard Deviation (SD) for all continuous variables was calculated. Correlations were estimated using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. A two-tailed p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. There exists a significant positive association of 30s CST values with 6MWD among postmenopausal women. Also, the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scores after the 6MWT were found to be significantly correlated with RPE scores after 30s CST. In conclusion, there exists a significant positive correlation of 30s CST with 6MWT among postmenopausal women. The 30s CST could be used as an economical and quick physical function assessment measure among postmenopausal women in low-resource settings.