Relationship between 6-minute walk test and 1-minute sit to stand test in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease, causing a range of symptoms such as fever, cough, and dyspnea. 6 Minute walk test (6MWT) is recommended to measure functional capacity in COVID-19. 1- Min sit to stand (STS-1) test has been used as its alternative in various respiratory conditions. This retrospective study aims to explore the relationship between the two tests in patients with COVID-19. Patients and methods: The medical records of COVID-19 patients in a male step down unit, referred for physical therapy between the periods from 5th September, 2020 to 25th September, 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Hemodynamically stable patients who underwent 6MWT and STS-1 prior to discharge, were included in the analysis. SPSS Version 24 was used to find the correlation between 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and number of repetitions in STS-1; and to compare the haemodynamic responses between the two tests. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the 6MWD and the STS⁻¹ repetitions (r=0.75, p<0.0001). On comparison of the two tests, the change in heart rate (HR) was significantly greater in the STS⁻¹ (p = 0.027). Whereas, the change in dyspnea (modified Borg’s score) and SpO2 was similar in both the groups and was not statistically significant (p= 0.10, p=0.62; respectively). Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between the 6MWT and STS⁻¹ test with similar haemodynamic response and can perhaps be used as an alternative to 6MWT in COVID-19.