Article

The aim of this study was to assess reproducibility and validity of the
6 minute walk test (6MWT) in obese youth and to develop an equation to predict
aerobic power (VO(2max)). Methods: Fifty-two girls and 45 boys, ages 7-17.8
participated in the study. Three walk tests were administered 1 week apart. Each
visit corresponded to a specific test, either an incremental treadmill test, or
the 6MWT. The 6MWT was performed on two occasions 1 week apart to assess
reproducibility. Treadmill and walk tests were randomly assigned to avoid order
effect. Results: Subjects walked 689.4 +/- 98.6 m on the initial 6MWT and 690.4
+/- 98.2 m on the second test. Intraclass correlation coefficient was r = 0.99.
The Bland and Altman method also showed good agreement between the two 6MWTs.
Stepwise multiple regression determined that distance walked in 6 MWT and BMI are
the most significant factors in predicting VO(2max). The prediction equation is
VO2 max (ml.kg.min(-1)) = 26.9 + 0.014 x 6 MWT (meters) - 0.38 x BMI (kg/m((2))).
Conclusions: In obese youth, the 6 MWT is a reproducible and valid test for
assessing aerobic power. A prediction equation was developed to estimate
VO(2)max, using distance walked in 6MWT and BMI. [Box: see text].

Langue : ANGLAIS