Comparison of the Six-Minute Walk Test and the One-Minute Sit-To-Stand Test for Assessing Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Six-Minute Walk and the Sit-To-Stand Test for Exercise Tolerance in Patients with COPD

Abstract

Exercise tolerance assessment plays an important role in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) and One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1-MSTST) are commonly used, although few studies have compared their relative value in COPD. Objective: To compare 6-MWT and 1-MSTST in assessing exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from March 29 to September 28, 2024. 98 participants were included in the study using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Exercise tolerance was assessed in both tests, using heart rate (beats/min) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂%) measured with a pulse oximeter. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Out of the 98 patients with COPD (50 males, 48 females; mean age, 58.98 ± 7.75 years), the 6MWT, pulse rate rose from 88.92 ± 6.84 to 93.15 ± 7.73 bpm, and SpO₂ fell from 93.99 ± 1.97% to 91.24 ± 2.72%. In the 1MSTST, pulse rate increased from 88.38 ± 6.48 to 90.02 ± 6.37 bpm, and SpO₂ declined from 94.01 ± 2.07% to 92.94 ± 2.34%, with changes significant for SpO₂ (p-value<0.001) and modest for pulse rate (p=0.002). The 6MWT induced greater tachycardia and desaturation, reflecting higher cardiopulmonary demand. Conclusions: Both tests effectively assessed exercise tolerance in COPD, but the 6MWT demonstrated greater desaturation, making it more sensitive for evaluating functional limitation.