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The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is an essential test for evaluating exercise tolerance in many respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Frailty and sarcopenia can cause rapid aging of the cardiovascular system in elderly people. Early detection and evaluation of frailty and sarcopenia are crucial for determining the treatment method. We aimed to develop a wearable measuring system for the 6MWT and propose a method for identifying frailty and quantifying walking muscle strength (WMS). In this study, 60 elderly participants were asked to wear accelerometers behind their left and right ankles during the 6MWT. The gait data were collected by a computer or smartphone. We proposed a method for analyzing walking performance using the stride length (SL) and step cadence (SC) instead of gait speed directly. Four regions (Range I-IV) were divided by cutoff values of SC = 2.0 [step/s] and SL = 0.6 [m/step] for a quick view of the frail state. There were 62.5% of frail individuals distributed in Range III and 72.4% of non-frail individuals in Range I. A concept of a WMS score was proposed for estimating WMS quantitatively. We found that 62.5% of frail individuals were scored as WMS1 and 41.4% of the non-frail elderly as WMS4. The average walking distances corresponding to WMS1-4 were 207 m, 370 m, 432 m, and 462 m, respectively. The WMS score may be a useful tool for quantitatively estimating sarcopenia or frailty due to reduced cardiopulmonary function.
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Fragilidad , Marcha , Fuerza Muscular , Prueba de Paso , Caminata , Humanos , Anciano , Femenino , Masculino , Fuerza Muscular/fisiología , Caminata/fisiología , Fragilidad/diagnóstico , Fragilidad/fisiopatología , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Marcha/fisiología , Prueba de Paso/métodos , Anciano FrágilRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Most patients with haematological malignancies who undergo allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) receive chemotherapy before the transplant to control the disease. Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause lung toxicity. Conversely, in patients with chronic respiratory conditions, the 6-min walking test (6MWT) and the desaturation-distance ratio (DDR) have demonstrated prognostic significance. Our objective was to determine whether the 6MWD and DDR, assessed prior to HSCT, have a prognostic impact on survival at 24 months post-HSCT. METHODS: A prospective experimental study was conducted in consecutive patients referred for allogeneic HSCT at Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. A complete functional respiratory study, including the 6MWT and DDR, was conducted prior to admission. The area under the curve (AUC) and cut-off points were calculated. Data on patients' characteristics, HSCT details, main events, with a focus on lung complications, and survival at 24 months were analysed. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five patients (39% women) with mean age of 48 ± 13 years old were included. Before HSCT, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second were 96% ± 13% predicted and 92% ± 14% predicted, respectively; corrected diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 79% ± 15% predicted; 6MWD was 568 ± 83 m and DDR of .27 (.20-.41). The cut-off points for 6MWD and DDR were 566 m, [.58 95% CI (.51-.64)], p = .024 and .306, [.63 95% CI (.55-.70)], p = .0005, respectively. The survival rate at 24 months was 55%. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that individuals who exhibit a 6MWD shorter than 566 ms or a decline in DDR beyond .306 experienced reduced survival rates at 24 months after HSCT.
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Prueba de Esfuerzo , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas , Humanos , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Masculino , Estudios Prospectivos , Prueba de Esfuerzo/métodos , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/efectos adversos , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , CaminataRESUMEN
Resumen Introducción: Hay información escasa sobre la evolución de los enfermos hospitalizados por neumonía por COVID-19 a mediano plazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar en pacientes con neumonía moderada (NM) o grave (NG) por COVID-19, el impacto clínico, funcional respiratorio y tomográfico a los 6 meses. Métodos: Se realizó análisis según grupos de NM y NG, desaturadores (PD) en la prueba de cami nata de 6 minutos y presencia del patrón tomográfico de alta resolución (TACAR) símil fibrótico. Se compararon los resultados a los 3 y 6 meses. Resultados: Se incluyeron 129 pacientes, edad 57±11 años, comorbilidades frecuentes (hipertensión arterial 38.1%, diabetes 30.4% y respiratorias 18.6%). Al comparar 3 y 6 meses se ob servó mejoría de la calidad de vida en NM y NG. Los PD presentaron menor metraje caminado, peor calidad de vida y mayor presencia de patrón símil fibrótico. Este patrón se relacionó con la caída de la FVC 80% en NM y NG (p = 0.048 y p = 0.007), y con PD (p = 0.002). En el análisis multivariado, el patrón símil fibrótico s e asoció a la reducción de la CVF con OR = 4.44 (1.94-10.18, p<0.01) y a la desaturación, OR = 5.01 (1.63-15.42, p<0.01). En esta cohorte se observó mayor compromiso funcional y tomográfico en los PD. El patrón símil fibrótico se relacionó con peor evolución funcional y oximétrica. Discusión: Es importante el seguimiento de los pacientes con NG, los PD y los que presentan patrón fibrótico al alta de neumonía por COVID-19.
Abstract Introduction: There is scarce information about middle-term evolution of hospitalized patients who suffer from pneumonia caused by COVID-19. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical, respiratory, tomographic and functional impact on COVID-19 patients with moderate (MP) to severe (SP) pneumonia after six months of acute infection. Methods: Analysis was carried out by MP and SP groups, desaturators during the 6-minute-walking test and the presence of fibrotic like pattern on HRCT. Outcomes at 3 and 6 months were compared. Results: The analysis included 129 patients, between 57 ± 11 years old. Frequent comorbidities were: arterial hypertension 38.1%, diabetes 30.4%, respiratory 18.6%). Comparing 3 and 6 months, improvement in quality of life was observed in MP and SP. The DP walked less meters in the MWT, worsened life quality and more fibrotic like pattern. The fibrotic pattern was related to the fall of CVF < 80% on MP and SP (p = 0.048 and p = 0.007), and with DP (p = 0.002). On multivariated analysis, the fibrotic like pattern was associated to the reduction of CVF with OR = 4.44 (1.94-10.18, p<0.01) and desaturation OR = 5.01(1.63-15.42, p < 0.01). On this cohort it was observed more functional and tomographic compromise on the DP The fibrotic like pattern was related to worse functional evolution and oximetry. Discussion: Follow-up after discharge of COVID-19 patients with SP, DP or fibrotic changes in HCRT is underlined.
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@#BACKGROUND: Early physical therapy plays important role in improving functional capacity, activities of daily life, and quality of life after acute myocardial infarction. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe effects of 4 weeks physical therapy program after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: In our study, 20 men participated in physical therapy program for 14 days after PCI surgery. The patients were diagnosed with myocardial infarction and aged 56.45±8.1. Their BMI was 27.39±3.61and waist circumference was 98±9.28. Exercise program was scheduled 3 times a week with each session consisting of 34-70% intensity exercises for 60 minutes. Exercise type is aerobic (warming up for 10 minutes, walking, bicycling and cooling down stretch for 10 minutes). RESULTS: For the 6-minute walking test (p=0.01) there was significant difference between before and after 4 weeks’ exercise program. CONCLUSION: The hospital based 4 weeks exercise program improved the functional capacity for pci patients.
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Objective To explore the reliability of handgrip strength test for evaluating mobility in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods Sixty-one COPD patients in stable stage were measured for handgrip strength and 6-minute walking test(6MWT).The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) was calculated to determine the best cutoff points of handgrip strength.Results Handgrip strength was (33.72-±7.47) kgf,6MWD was (437.06±97.96) m,handgrip strength was moderately correlated with 6MWD (r=0.404,P=0.001).6MWD≥350 m was used to classify two groups,and there was significant difference between two groups(P<0.05).Area under the curv e was 0.722,and the best cutoff points was 32.8 kgf.Conclusion Handgrip strength test can be a useful tool to quickly identify mobility in patients with stable COPD.
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O objetivo do estudo foi estratificar os fatores de risco cardiovasculares (FR) e avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercício físico (PEF) por três meses em pacientes diagnosticados com doença arterial obstrutiva periférica (DAOP) através do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6), utilizando como parâmetro a distância total percorrida (DTP), tempo inicial da dor (TID), tempo final da dor (TFD) e tempo total da dor (TTD). O estudo foi composto por 12 voluntários, encaminhados para o programa de Reabilitação Física. Para estratificar os FR houve aplicação de questionário contendo pergunta objetivas com opção de sim ou não sobre tabagismo, diabetes mellitus, etilismo, hipertensão arterial, sedentarismo, hereditariedade, dislipidemia e obesidade, adotou-se o índice de massa corpórea. O TC6 foi realizado em um corredor de 22 metros e o paciente foi orientado a informar aos avaliadores o momento de início da dor (TID) e somente parar quando a dor tornar-se insuportável para continuar a caminhada. O TFD foi estabelecido quando o paciente retornou ao TC6. Ao final do teste foi calculada a DTP que o paciente atingiu. O teste de ANOVA foi utilizado para comparar as condições pré e pós-reabilitação, tendo nível de significância quando p<0,05. Observou-se que todos os pacientes mostraram-se sedentários, 58,3% são dislipidêmicos, 50% são tabagistas, hipertensos e apresentam hereditariedade. Houve diferença significativa na DTP (327,7±83,3 vs 431,7±90,5), TID (01:52±0:36 vs 02:59±0:41) e TTD (01:55±0:14 vs 00:45±0:36) pré e pós-reabilitação. O PEF para pacientes com DAOP se mostrou eficaz na DTP, TID, TTD.
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Introducción y objetivos: La enfermedad cardiovascular constituye la primera causa de muerte y de gastos sanitarios debido a sus consecuencias. En prevención secundaria, los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca mejoran el estado funcional y la calidad de vida, e incrementan la supervivencia. Métodos y materiales: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron 31 pacientes (19 hombres y 14 mujeres), con edad promedio de 64 ± 11 años. El test de caminata de 6 minutos sirvió para estimar el consumo de oxígeno máximo indirecto (VO2máx). Se midió la frecuencia cardiaca y se estimó el doble producto como indicadores hemodinámicos. Las pruebas se realizaron antes y después de 12 sesiones de entrenamiento entre el 50 y 70% de la frecuencia cardiaca máxima, 60 min, 3 veces por semana, durante un mes. Resultados: Luego de la intervención, se observaron mayores valores en el VO2 (9,6 ± 2 mL/kg-1/min-1 vs. 11,09 ± 1,9 mL/kg-1/min-1; p = 0,002) y en la distancia alcanzada en el test (244,5 ± 80,1 m vs. 303,2 ± 78,1 m; p = 0,002). No hubo diferencias en los indicadores hemodinámicos (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: El programa de rehabilitación cardiaca reportó una mejoría de tolerancia al ejercicio para los pacientes posquirúrgicos cardiovasculares en promedio del 14%, sin modificar la función hemodinámica.
Introduction and objectives:Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and medical expenses due to its consequences. In secondary prevention, cardiac rehabilitation programs improve functional status, quality of life and overall survival. Methods and materials: An observational, descriptive and prospective study was performed. Thirty one subjects (19 male, 14 female), mean age 64 ± 11 years. The 6-minute walk test served to estimate the indirect maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). We measured the heart rate and double product was estimated as hemodynamic indicators. The tests were performed before and after 12 training sessions at between 50 and 70% of maximum heart rate, for 60 min, 3 times a week, during one month. Results: After the intervention we observed higher values of VO2 (9.6 ± 2.0 mL.kg-1.min-1 vs. 11.09 ± 1.9 mL.kg-1.min-1; p = 0.002) and a longer distance achieved in the walking test (244.5 ± 80.1 m vs. 303.2 ± 78.1 m; P = .002). There were no differences in hemodynamic indicators (P > .05). Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation program reported an improvement in exercise tolerance in post-surgical cardiovascular patients in a 14% of the cases. It did not show a variation in hemodynamic function.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares , Rehabilitación Cardiaca , Terapia por Ejercicio , Prueba de PasoRESUMEN
Introduction: Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a chronic respiratory disease that is established as a consequence of a lung infection produced by adenovirus. The clinical and radiological evidence as well as spirometric variables are the cornerstones of diagnosis; however, the functional impact of lung damage, assessed through the six minute walking test (6MWT), has been scarcely studied in this group of patients, notwithstanding it has been recommended in the Chilean guidelines. The aim of the study is to evaluate the correlation between spirometric variables and 6MWT performance in patients diagnosed with BO. Patients and Methods: Correlation study conducted in pediatric pulmonary rehabilitation program of Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital from Concepción. Chile. Records of spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75) and 6MWT(Distance walked (DW), heart rate, oxygen saturation, dyspnea and leg fatigue) of 22 children and adolescents diagnosed with BO were selected. The absolute values of spirometric and 6MWT variables were compared with reference values of Knudson et al and Gatica et al respectively. Results are expressed by median and range (maximum and minimum). In the statistical analysis, normality test (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), non-parametric test (Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney) and correlation analysis (Rho-Spearman) were done by SPSS 11.5 with significance of p < 0.05. Results: The spirometry was obstructive in all patients, advanced ventilatory limitation was found in 9 children, moderate in 4, mild in 3 and minimum in 6. The WD was 597 m (750-398), 9% below the predicted value according to age (p < 0.003). The WD was lower in those with greater severity in spirometric impairment (p = 0.012). The WD expressed as a percentage of predicted value showed a significant correlation with % FEV1 (r = 0.70, p = 0.0001), FEV1/FVC ratio (r = 0.58, p = 0.004) and FEF25-75% (r = 0.70, p = 0.0001). On the other hand only saturation at the end of 6MWT showed significant correlation with % FVC (r = 0.44, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Performance during the 6MWT was positively correlated with spirometry, validating the 6MWT as a tool to assess the functional impact of lung damage in patients with BO. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between lung function and exercise tolerance in these patients.
Introducción: La bronquiolitis obliterante (BO) post infecciosa es una enfermedad respiratoria crónica que se establece como secuela de una infección pulmonar principalmente por adenovirus. La evidencia clínica, espirométrica y radiológica son los pilares del diagnóstico, sin embargo, pese a estar sugerido en las actuales guías nacionales, la repercusión funcional del daño pulmonar a través del test de caminata de seis minutos (C6M) ha sido escasamente estudiado en este grupo de pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la correlación entre variables espirométricas y resultado del C6M en una muestra de pacientes con BO. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio correlacional donde fueron seleccionados los registros de espirometría (VEF1, CVF, VEF1/CVF y FEF25-75) y de C6M (Distancia caminada (DC), frecuencia cardíaca, saturación de oxígeno, disnea y fatiga de piernas) de 22 niños y adolescentes con diagnóstico de BO ingresados al programa de rehabilitación respiratoria infantil del Hospital Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción. Los valores absolutos de las variables espirométricas y C6M se compararon con valores predichos de Knudson y Gatica respectivamente. En el análisis estadístico se realizaron pruebas de normalidad (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), de contraste (Wilcoxon y Mann-Whitney) y análisis de correlación (Rho-Spearman). Los resultados se expresan en mediana, rango máximo y mínimo. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: En la espirometría se encontró alteración ventilatoria obstructiva de grado avanzado en 9, moderada en 4, leve en 6 y mínima en 3 niños. La DC fue de 597 m (750-398), 9% por debajo del valor predicho para la edad (p < 0,003). La DC fue menor en aquellos con mayor grado severidad en la alteración espirométrica (p = 0,012). La DC expresada en porcentaje del valor predicho mostró una correlación significativa con % VEF1 (r = 0,70;p = 0,0001), índice VEF1/CVF (r = 0,58;p = 0,004) y % FEF25-75 (r = 0,70;p = 0,0001). Sólo la saturación al final del C6M se correlacionó significativamente con % CVF (r = 0,44; p = 0,04). Conclusión: El rendimiento durante el C6Mse correlacionó con espirometría, validando al C6M como herramienta para valorar la repercusión funcional del daño pulmonar en pacientes con BO. Futuros estudios son necesarios para confirmar esta correlación.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Adolescente , Espirometría , Bronquiolitis Obliterante/etiología , Bronquiolitis Obliterante/fisiopatología , Caminata/fisiología , Consumo de Oxígeno/fisiología , Pruebas de Función Respiratoria/métodos , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/complicaciones , Capacidad Vital/fisiología , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado/fisiología , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Pulmón/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUÇÃO: A atividade física é uma das formas de prevenção ao aparecimento de fatores de risco cardiovascular, como a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e o diabetes mellitus (DM). Uma das formas de avaliar é o teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6), que é um teste submáximo, simples de ser realizado, de baixo custo e alta reprodutibilidade. OBJETIVOS: Comparar o desempenho funcional de mulheres portadoras de risco cardiovascular, por meio do TC6. MÉTODOS: 45 mulheres foram alocadas em três grupos: G1 (com diagnóstico de HAS DM), G2 (diagnóstico de HAS) e G3 (voluntárias saudáveis). Inicialmente, as voluntárias realizaram o TC6 com caráter de aprendizado e uma hora depois o teste com caráter avaliativo. Considerou-se como variáveis pré e pós-teste a saturação periférica de oxigênio, a frequência cardíaca, a pressão arterial, a glicose e a distância percorrida. A análise estatística foi realizada com significância estipulada de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Todos os grupos aumentaram significativamente a distância percorrida no teste avaliativo, e tiveram acréscimo na pressão arterial e redução do índice glicêmico. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O TC6 pode ser utilizado para avaliação da capacidade funcional de mulheres portadoras de HAS e DM como fatores de risco cardiovascular, demonstrando-se seguro e submáximo.
INTRODUCTION: The practice of physical activities is one of the options used for cardiovascular risks prevention, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM). One of the ways to make an evaluation of it is the 6-minute-walk test (6MWT), which is a submaximal test, simple to be done, of low cost and high productive. OBJECTIVES: To compare the functional acting of women's organism with cardiovascular risk, through the 6MWT. METHODS: 45 women were allocated in 3 groups: G1 (with SAH DM diagnostic), G2 (SAH diagnostic) and G3 (healthy volunteers). Initially the volunteers made the 6MWT for learning and one hour later for evaluation. Saturation of peripheral oxygen, cardiac frequency, arterial blood pressure, glucose and distance made were considered as pre- and post-tests. The statistic analysis was made with stipulated relevance of p < 0,05. RESULTS: All groups that increased the distance made during the evaluation test, had higher blood pressure and reduction of the glucose indication. CONCLUSIONS: 6MWT can be used for evaluation of the functional acting of women's organism with SAH and DM as cardiovascular risk factors, being safe and submaximal.
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Humanos , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Diabetes Mellitus , Tolerancia al Ejercicio , Factores de Riesgo , CaminataRESUMEN
Existen pocos estudios sobre el efecto de la Ventilación de doble nivel de presión positiva (VNI) sobre el ejercicio en pacientes con EPOC. El objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de la VNI en la respuesta a ejercicios máximos ysubmáximos en pruebas de campo en pacientes con EPOC. Fueron incluidos pacientes con EPOC (definición GOLD). Se les realizó una prueba de 6 minutos (según normativas de ATS), de escalera (Girish et al., Chest 2001) y ShuttleTest (Singh et al., Thorax 1992) con medición de escala de Borg de miembros inferiores y disnea, saturación arterial y frecuencia cardíaca. A través de una máscara nasal, se adaptó VNI con promedio 15 cmH2O de IPAP y 4 cmH2O de EPAP, y luego se realizaronlas mismas pruebas de ejercicio. Fueron evaluados 11 pacientes con EPOC: mediana edad: 61 años (IC25-75%, 58-75), sexo masculino 72%, FVC: 65% (IC25-75%, 60,1-70); FEV1: 37,4(IC25-75%, 33,97-42,5); FEV1/FVC: 46 (IC25-75%, 42,5-52,5); PaO2:68 mmHg (IC25-75%,63-75,3); PaCO2:40mmHg (IC25-75%,39-41).En la prueba de 6 minutos, se observó que la VNI aumentaba la distancia caminada en 61.78 % (p=0.001) la distancia caminada y la carga (kg.m) en 16,55% (p=0.002). No había cambios significativos en los síntomas (fatiga y disnea) por escala de Borg. En la prueba de escalera, se observó que la VNI incrementaba la velocidad de ascensoen 11,81% (p=0.05), sin cambios significativos en los síntomas o la altura ascendida. En el shuttle test, se observó que la VNI aumenta la distancia caminada en 30.6% (p=0.001), sin cambio significativos en los síntomas.En conclusión, se observó una significativa mejoría en las distancias caminadas y mayor velocidad de ascenso en la de escalera. Es la primera comunicación del efecto de la VNIsobre pruebas de escalera en pacientes con EPOC.
There are few exercise studies about the effect of bi-level non-invasive ventilation (NIV) on the exercise in COPD patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of NIV on the results of submaximal and maximal field exercise tests in COPD patients. The COPD patients were selected according to the GOLD definition. The study tests included: the six minute walking test (ATS guidelines), stair climbing test (Girish et al., Chest 2001) and shuttle test (Singh et al., Thorax 1992) which were measured with the Borg scale for legs and dyspnea, arterial saturation and heart rate. With a nasal mask, the NIV was adapted with pressure support ventilation through 15 cm H2O of IPAP and 4 cm H2O of EPAP. Then, the same exercise tests were performed. Eleven COPD patients were evaluated: age (median) 61 years (IC25-75%, 58-75), male sex 72%, FVC: 65% (IC25-75%, 60.1-70); FEV1: 37.4(IC25-75%, 33.97-42.5); FEV1/FVC: 46 (IC25-75%, 42.5-52.5); PaO2: 68 mmHg (IC25-75%,63-75.3); PaCO2: 40mmHg(IC25-75%, 39-41). The NIV increased the walked distance by 61.78% (p=0.001) and load (kg.m) by 16.55%(p=0.002) in the six minute walking test. There was no significant difference in the symptoms (dyspnea and fatigue) in the Borg scale. The NIV increased the ascent velocity by 11.81% (p=0.05) in the stair climbing test. No significant changes in symptoms and ascended height were observed. The NIV increased the walked distance by 30.6% (p=0.001), without significant changes in symptoms. As conclusion, distance increased significantly with NIV in the six minute walking test and shuttle test. A higher velocity was observed in the stair climbing test. This study was the first experience of NIV on the stair climbing test in COPD patients.
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Humanos , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica , Respiración Artificial , Caminata/fisiología , Tolerancia al Ejercicio , Ventilación PulmonarRESUMEN
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.