Article

The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is increasingly being used as a
functional outcome measure for chronic pediatric conditions. Knowledge about its
measurement properties is needed to determine whether it is an appropriate test to use.
The purpose of this study was to systematically review all
published clinimetric studies on the 6MWT in chronic pediatric conditions. DATA
SOURCES: The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus were
searched up to February 2012. STUDY SELECTION: Studies designed to evaluate
measurement properties of the 6MWT in a chronic pediatric condition were included
in the systematic review. DATA EXTRACTION: The methodological quality of the
included studies and the measurement properties of the 6MWT were examined. DATA
SYNTHESIS: A best evidence synthesis was performed on 15 studies, including 9
different chronic pediatric conditions. Limited evidence to strong evidence was
found for reliability in various chronic conditions. Strong evidence was found
for positive criterion validity of the 6MWT with peak oxygen uptake in some
populations, but negative criterion validity was found in other populations.
Construct validity remained unclear in most patient groups because of
methodological flaws. Little evidence was available for responsiveness and
measurement error. Studies showed large variability in test procedures despite
existing guidelines for the performance of the 6MWT. LIMITATIONS: Unavailability
of a specific checklist to evaluate the methodological quality of clinimetric
studies on performance measures was a limitation of the study. CONCLUSIONS:
Evidence for measurement properties of the 6MWT varies largely among chronic
pediatric conditions. Further research is needed in all patient groups to explore
the ability of the 6MWT to measure significant and clinically important changes.
Until then, changes measured with the 6MWT should be interpreted with caution.
Future studies or consensus regarding modified test procedures in the pediatric
population is recommended.

Langue : ANGLAIS