Comparison of 6-minute Walk Distance Test and 15-step Climbing Exercise Oximetry Test in Detecting Oxygen Desaturation in Patients with Copd

Aim: To evaluate the better assessment tool between 15-step climbing exercise oximetry (15SCT) and 6 minute walk distance test (6MWDT) for detecting oxygen desaturation in patient with COPD.

Background: Hypoxemia is a common complication of COPD and a major factor in patient's prognosis and quality of life. Cardio-pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) is considered as the gold standard to evaluate the response to exercise. However, due to the high cost, complicated equipment and the need for trained staff, this method is not widely practiced. Whereas 6MWDT and 15SCT has also been proven to effectively evaluate the functional status of patients with COPD.

Method: Thirty patients with stable COPD underwent 6 minutes walk test and 15 step exercise oximetry test with an interval of one hour. Patients were randomly selected into two groups. Group A performed 6MWDT followed by 15-SCT and Group B initially performed 15 SCT followed by 6MWDT. Measurement of heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), dyspnoea and fatigue were noted before and after the test up to 10 min of recovery.

Result: 15SCT result in less increase in HR, dyspnoea and fatigue in comparison to 6MWDT. There was also decrease in oxygen saturation during 15SCT. The significance level was set at p≤0.05. Conclusion: 15SCT is a useful measure to detect adequate oxygen de-saturation in the patients with COPD. It is a quick, simple and convenient test to detect the need for supplemental oxygen.