Predicting V02inax and ventilatory threshold in cardiac rehabilitation patients using the 6-minute walk test and terminal rating of perceived exertion.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to cross-validate the equation of Cress (2015) to predict V02ma_-.: and ventilatory threshold using the 6-rninute walk test (6MWT) and terminal RPE. Subjects (N=23) were 35-80yrs of age and were in the late phases of Phase II cardiac rehabilitation with V02m3x ranging from 13.7-30.2 ml/kg/min. Each subject performed an incremental n1aximal treadmill test using protocols that best suited the patient's capacity. Within a few days, subjects performed the 6MWT and gave a terminal RPE using the Borg 6-20 scale. The Cress (2015) prediction equation and measured maxMETs yielded a fair correlation (r=0.4) with an SEE of 1.49 METs. Predicted METs@VT and measured METs@VT presented a fair correlation (F0.53) with an SEE of0.58 METs. The mean measured 1naximal J\1ETs was 5.8±1.3 and mean predicted maximal METs was 7 .4±1.6. There was a significant difference between the means (p<0.05). The mean measured METs@VT was 4.4±0.65 and mean predicted METs@VT was 5.5±1.3. There was a significant difference between the means (p<0.05).