Is it possible to use the timed performance tests in lung transplantation candidates to determine the exercise capacity?

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation (LTx) candidates have severe exercise intolerance. This makes it difficult for them to complete the field tests used to determine the exercise capacity of patients. Therefore, there is a need for alternative tests that require less effort. We aimed to investigate the use of short-timed performance tests instead of 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in the determination of exercise capacity in LTx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 63 LTx candidates were included in the study. Ten-meter walking speed test (10MWT), 5-times sit-to-stand test (5XSST), 6MWT were performed at one-hour intervals within the same day, and by the same physiotherapist in all pa-tients. Maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), peripheral muscle strengths, pulmonary function tests, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The subjects’ baseline mean 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) was 336m, 5XSST time was 11.59 sec, and 10MWT time was 8.45sec. There was a negative and moderate correlation between 6MWD and 10MWT (p<0.001, r=0.449). Similarly there was a negative but weak correlation between 6MWD and 5XSST (p=0.001, r=0.397). In addition, there was a strong relationship between 5XSST and 10MWT (p<0.001, r=0.767). CONCLUSION: This study showed that 6MWT and short-timed performance tests were correlated in terms of exercise capacity assess-ment. In contrast, there was a strong relationship between 6MWT and 10MWT according to 6MWT and 5XSST. The timed performance tests may be alternative tests to determine exercise capacity in LTx candidates.