The 6-min Walk Test Reflects Functional Capacity in Primary Care and Obese Patients

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to determine the association between the 6-min walk test distance (6MWTD) and physical functional capacity (PF) in primary care patients, as well as in obese individuals. We studied 351 subjects (age=56.8±14.6 years; BMI=29.4±5.7 kg/m(2); 68% women), including 141 obese subjects (BMI≥30 kg/m(2)), recruited in 10 different family practices. Physical (PCS) and mental component summary of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the 8 sub-scores were measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey. Anthropometry, vital signs and physical testing were measured according to standardized protocols. Recreational physical activity (LPA) and sedentary levels were determined using the Canadian Community Health Survey. In a stepwise multivariate analysis, 65% of the 6MWTD variance was explained by PF of the HRQOL, age, quadriceps strength, number of chronic diseases, LPA categories, BMI, resting heart rate, PCS, height and TV-viewing categories in primary care subjects. In the obese individuals, PF, age, quadriceps strength and BMI explained 57% of the 6MWTD variance. In these 2 groups, 44% of the 6MWTD variance is explained by PF only. To conclude, the 6MWTD is strongly associated with PF of the HRQOL. Thus, it adequately reflects physical limitations in daily life activities of primary care patients, including obese individuals.

Effect of exercise training before and after bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Gains in lower‐limb muscle strength compared with presurgery, ranging from +12% 45 to +36%, 48 are likely to have a beneficial impact on physical function given the major contribution of muscle strength in performing daily living activities in persons with obesity. 51 We also found that the gain in muscle strength may be sustained after a 3‐ to 12‐month period without exercise training, although only a trend was found ( P = 0.08), and only two studies were included in this specific meta‐analysis.…”

Resistance Training Improves Muscle Strength and Function, Regardless of Protein Supplementation, in the Mid- to Long-Term Period after Gastric Bypass

“…Several studies have reported postoperative BS improvements in terms of MS [ 2 , 11 , 13 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ] or PF [ 2 , 13 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 33 ] after interventions involving isolated aerobic, resistance, or both types of exercise. Strength or PF enhancements have been associated with improved performance of activities of daily living in individuals with obesity [ 34 ] and reduced risk of falls, particularly related to the aging process [ 35 ]. Training benefits are important in the late postoperative period of BS, considering that weight regain typically recurs approximately 1–2 years after surgery [ 36 ] or superior period [ 37 , 38 ]; this result was observed in our study, where almost half of the participants regained weight.…”

“…The 6-MWT is strongly associated with functional capacity and MS [ 34 ]. Consistent with our study, Coleman et al also found a significant increase in the distance walked in the 6-MWT and a reduced time on the TUG test in participants with exercise intervention compared with the lack of improvement in the control group [ 30 ].…”

Vertical Jump on a Force Plate for Assessing Muscle Strength and Power in Women With Severe Obesity: Reliability, Validity, and Relations With Body Composition

“…Several studies have reported higher absolute strength in obese vs. normal weight subjects (10) without describing the relation between muscle strength and body mass in subjects with severe obesity. Given the major contribution of muscle strength in performing daily living activities in subjects with obesity (5,8,30), higher muscle strength is likely to have beneficial effects regarding physical function. In contrast, our data showed that peak velocity in VJ and jump height decreased with body fat and that peak power did not significantly correlate with body mass.…”