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Physical Functioning, Physical Activity, and Variability in Gait Performance during the Six-Minute Walk Test

Authors :
Julie Rekant
Heidi Ortmeyer
Jamie Giffuni
Ben Friedman
Odessa Addison
Source :
Sensors, Vol 24, Iss 14, p 4656 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Instrumenting the six-minute walk test (6MWT) adds information about gait quality and insight into fall risk. Being physically active and preserving multi-directional stepping abilities are also important for fall risk reduction. This analysis investigated the relationship of gait quality during the 6MWT with physical functioning and physical activity. Twenty-one veterans (62.2 ± 6.4 years) completed the four square step test (FSST) multi-directional stepping assessment, a gait speed assessment, health questionnaires, and the accelerometer-instrumented 6MWT. An activity monitor worn at home captured free-living physical activity. Gait measures were not significantly different between minutes of the 6MWT. However, participants with greater increases in stride time (ρ = −0.594, p < 0.01) and stance time (ρ = −0.679, p < 0.01) during the 6MWT reported lower physical functioning. Neither physical activity nor sedentary time were related to 6MWT gait quality. Participants exploring a larger range in stride time variability (ρ = 0.614, p < 0.01) and stance time variability (ρ = 0.498, p < 0.05) during the 6MWT required more time to complete the FSST. Participants needing at least 15 s to complete the FSST meaningfully differed from those completing the FSST more quickly on all gait measures studied. Instrumenting the 6MWT helps detect ranges of gait performance and provides insight into functional limitations missed with uninstrumented administration. Established FSST cut points identify aging adults with poorer gait quality.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14248220
Volume :
24
Issue :
14
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Sensors
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.6ab0cd5699d14a21a62d1357d7280967
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/s24144656