Correlation between 6 Minute Walk Test and 2 Minute Walk Test to Measure the Functional Capacity in Elderly Population

Functional capacity is necessary for the elderly individuals to live independently in the community. Although maximal testing could provide a more accurate assessment of functional capacity, a sub maximal test would be more desirable as it would be safer and maximal testing would be contradicted due to medical illnesses. Walk test is an easy and reliable tool in fitness management in elderly individuals. METHOD: The sample was recruited first using the Berg Balance Scale and individuals whose score was below 45/56 were ruled out. A written consent was taken from them. Prior to starting the test; Age, Height, Weight, Basal Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate Blood Pressure and Oxygen saturation levels were recorded. The Borg scale of exertion was explained and they were asked to rate it before and after the test. The test was administered in a randomized order through chit picking and the individual was asked to walk the 30-metered leveled surface for 6 minutes and 2 minutes both with a break of 1 hour between them. The above-mentioned vitals were recorded pre and post the tests. RESULTS: The results show that the Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, RPE scale and Distance positively co-relate amongst the two tests. However the Blood Pressure and SpO2 (oxygen saturation levels) didn’t co-relate amongst the two tests. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that parameters like pulse rate, respiratory rate, distance and RPE scale can be assessed using the 2 minute walk test. It’s a good prognostic tool and retesting would be easy amongst the geriatric population. Therefore since the values correlate, 2-minute walk test results can be used to design a treatment protocol similar to that based on 6-minute walk test results.