The value of six-minute walking test on chronic bronchitis needing lung function screening / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the relationship between the six-minute walking test (6-MWT) and pulmonary function in the diagnosis course of chronic bronchitis converting into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Pulmonary function was detected in 360 patients with chronic bronchitis.Based on the results and diagnosis standard of COPD by Chinese Medical Association in 2002, the patients were divided into COPD group and pulmonary function normal group.Tbe walking distance in 6-MWT (6-MWD) was measured, and the mean value of twice tests was calculated to study the correlation between 6-MWT and pulmonary function, and 50 healthy volunteers were selected as control group. Results Most 6-MWD in COPD group were less than 420 meters(95.95%, 142/148 ), but those in pulmonary function normal group were more than or equalled to 420 meters mostly (97.17%, 206/212 ). However in patients with the 6-MWD more than or equalled to 420 meters , pulmonary function indexes such as the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity( FVC ), FEV_1%, maximal ventilatory volume(MVV)were all significantly greater than those in patients with 6-MWD less than 420 meters, and there were significant differences (P<0.05). Compared with chronic bronchitis, the results of 6-MWD in control group was more than or equalled to 420 meters, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05 ). Conclusions 6-MWT is simple and feasible. However, it is a better indicator of the patients pulmonary function. The test would be an effective selecting examination for chronic bronchitis patients who are not willing to do puhnonary function test.