Activity level predicts 6-minute walk distance in healthy older females: an observational study

Abstract

Background: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is frequently employed in clinical settings and academic studies. Few research has examined activity level as a 6MWD predictor, and current predictive models do not take activity level into account. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a simple tool for the evaluation of functional exercise capacity, which reflects the capacity of the individual to perform activities of daily living. Aims &Objectives: In a convenience sample of older females, the study's goal was to determine whether activity was a reliable predictor of 6MWD. To determine if adding activity level to current models for the 6MWT in healthy older women enhanced their prediction accuracy as well as to confirm the validity of such models. Material and Methods: In several regions of Punjab (Kamoke, Multan, and Okara), data from home visits were gathered for this observational study. The study's sample size of 30 healthy females was chosen using a convenience sampling technique from a group of healthy older non-smoking women who were both active and sedentary and had no lung or musculoskeletal conditions. The study's primary outcomes were measured, including age, height, weight, and 6MWD. Each subject filled out a consent form and signed it to indicate their understanding. This study demonstrated how important it is to consider physical activity levels when predicting 6MWD in older women. The statistical program for the social sciences (SPSS), version 2016, was used to analyze the data.