Six-minute walk test in burned subjects: Applicability, reproducibility and performance at hospital discharge

Emely Emi Kakitsuka; Andrea Akemi Morita; Edna Yukimi Itakussu; Reinaldo Minoru Kuwahara; Elza Hiromi Tokushima Anami; Fabio Pitta; Nidia Aparecida Hernandes

doi:10.1016/j.burns.2020.03.004

Six-minute walk test in burned subjects: Applicability, reproducibility and performance at hospital discharge

Burns. 2020 Nov;46(7):1540-1547. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2020.03.004. Epub 2020 Aug 14.

Authors

Emely Emi Kakitsuka¹, Andrea Akemi Morita¹, Edna Yukimi Itakussu¹, Reinaldo Minoru Kuwahara², Elza Hiromi Tokushima Anami², Fabio Pitta³, Nidia Aparecida Hernandes⁴

Affiliations

¹ Stricto Sensu Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, State University of Londrina (UEL) and University Pitágoras Unopar (UNOPAR), Londrina, Brazil; Laboratory of Research in Respiratory Physiotherapy (LFIP), Department of Physiotherapy, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil; Burn Treatment Center, University Hospital of State University of Londrina (HU-UEL), Londrina, Brazil.
² Burn Treatment Center, University Hospital of State University of Londrina (HU-UEL), Londrina, Brazil.
³ Stricto Sensu Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, State University of Londrina (UEL) and University Pitágoras Unopar (UNOPAR), Londrina, Brazil; Laboratory of Research in Respiratory Physiotherapy (LFIP), Department of Physiotherapy, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
⁴ Stricto Sensu Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, State University of Londrina (UEL) and University Pitágoras Unopar (UNOPAR), Londrina, Brazil; Laboratory of Research in Respiratory Physiotherapy (LFIP), Department of Physiotherapy, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil. Electronic address: nyhernandes@gmail.com.

PMID: 32807543
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2020.03.004

Abstract

Introduction: Despite its clinical relevance in several populations, there is no evidence on applicability of the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in burned subjects.

Objectives: To verify the applicability and reproducibility of the 6MWT in burned individuals and to analyze patients' performance in this test at hospital discharge.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, burned individuals performed two 6MWT at hospital discharge, according to international standardization. In addition to walked distance, physiological and symptomatic variables were collected. Clinical history and demographic data were also recorded.

Results: One hundred individuals were evaluated (70 men, 10 [6-18]% total body surface area burned). There was excellent agreement between the two 6MWT (ICC = 0.97). However, 73% of subjects increased the walked distance in the second test (23 [-9-47]m or 5 [-2-10]%; P = 0.001). Considering the best 6MWT, the walked distance was 488 [396-718]m (80 [65-92]%pred), and 51% of the individuals had limited functional exercise capacity. Additionally, participants without lower limb involvement presented better 6MWT than others (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The 6MWT was applicable, well tolerated and reproducible at hospital discharge in burned individuals. However, there was considerable learning effect between the first and second test. Finally, the reduced exercise capacity observed reinforces need for early rehabilitation in this population.

Keywords: Burn units; Evaluation studies; Lower extremity; Physical functional performance; Walk test.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Burns*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Exercise Tolerance
Female
Hospitals
Humans
Male
Patient Discharge*
Physical Functional Performance*
Reproducibility of Results
Walk Test*