Article

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in
individuals with Down syndrome and explore factors affecting walking distance.
DESIGN: Four repeated walk tests in the span of 2 weeks including 2 practice
walks. SETTING: All tests were carried out in a 40-meter corridor at a university
sport complex. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome
(N=55) aged 11 to 26 years. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
Participants were instructed to walk as far as possible for the duration of 6
minutes. Distance walked, heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion were
measured across 4 tests (t1, t2, t3, and t4). RESULTS: The walking distances for
t1, t2, t3, and t4 averaged 395, 428, 433, and 436 meters, respectively. The
6-minute walk distance (6MWD) during t1 and t2 was significantly different from
that during t3 and t4 (t(54)=-6.475, P<.001). Repeated analysis of variance
showed no significant difference between the distance walked in t3 and t4
(433+/-64m vs 436+/-68m) (F(1,54)=2.439, P=.124). Body mass index as well as
levels of intellectual disability and physical activity all affected the distance
walked to different degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The 6MWT showed good test-retest
reliability and increased the walking distance after 2 practice walks, emphasizing the need to account for a learning effect among people with Down
syndrome. Reported 6MWD appears lower than that previously reported for
individuals without Down syndrome.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS