Correlation between six minute walk test and shuttle walk test in people with long covid: a pilot study
Keywords:
long covid, six minute walk test, shuttle walk test, physical capacity, correlationAbstract
Objective: The aftermath of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, termed Long COVID, is characterized by persistent symptoms that detrimentally affect physical capacity and overall quality of life. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) and shuttle walk test (SWT) are established tools for assessing physical capacity, with SWT exhibiting a more favorable correlation with maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) compared to 6MWT. This pilot study was designed to explore the correlation between 6MWT and SWT in individuals with Long COVID and to appraise the viability of 6MWT as a surrogate for SWT.
Materials and Methods: A cohort of ten participants, inclusive of both male and female, aged between 40 and 80 years old, who were capable of independent ambulation and fulfilled the criteria for Long COVID, was recruited. Fatigue level was pre-screened using the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-Post-Exertional Malaise subscale (DSQ-PEM subscale). Subsequently, both 6MWT and SWT were administered to evaluate their physical capacity.
Results: The mean ± SD of the Shuttle walk test distance was 364.9 ± 13.518 meters, and the mean ± SD of the Six minute walk test distance was 416 ± 14.155 meters. A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.845) was detected between 6MWT and SWT.
Conclusion: This pilot investigation furnishes preliminary evidence substantiating the efficacy of 6MWT to serve as an alternative assessment of cardiopulmonary endurance for people with Long COVID.
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