Understanding Performance Variability in a Six-Minute Walk Test
Author Information
Author(s): Brinkley Tina, Hsu Fang-Chi, Kitzman Dalane, Houston Denise, Fanning Jason
Primary Institution: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can performance variability during a six-minute walk test provide insights into physical function in adults with overweight/obesity?
Conclusion
Faster gait speed and consistency during the six-minute walk test are linked to better physical function in adults with overweight/obesity.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher fPCA scores correlate with greater six-minute walk distance.
- Faster initial gait speed is associated with better physical function.
- Consistency in performance is linked to less gait change speed.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people walk over six minutes and found that walking faster and more consistently means they are likely to be healthier.
Methodology
Functional principal component analysis (fPCA) was used to analyze lap-to-lap performance in a six-minute walk test.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 64.2 years, mean BMI 35.5 kg/m2, 79% male, 82% White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website