Comparison of six-minute walking tests conducted with and without supplemental oxygen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exercise-induced oxygen desaturation.

Ozalevli S, Ozden A, Gocen Z, Cimrin AH

This study compared the results of 6-minute walking tests performed in room-air conditions (A6MWT) and with supplemental oxygen (O6MWT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and exercise-induced oxygen desaturation. Thirty-one patients with COPD were included in the study. During the tests, severity of dyspnea, tiring of the leg, heart rate, pulsed oxygen saturation and blood pressure were measured. The authors conclude that the O6MWT, which produced less hemodynamic stress and was safer than the A6MWT, might provide more accurate information on exercise limitation for patients with COPD. These results suggest that the O6MWT can be used as a standard walking exercise test for patients with COPD and exercise-induced oxygen desaturation.

Annals of Saudi Medicine, 2007, 27(2):94-100

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