Functional Tests in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Results: In the interests analysis, there was lower walking distance in the 6MWTT and 6MWTTI was observed, to compare in the 6MWT and 6MWToT; the ΔSp,O2 (delta of arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter) in the 6MWTTI was significantly greater that in the 6MWT, but not between to change in dyspnea and fatigue/pain in the lower-limbs between rest and exercise of peak (Δ). Concordance and correlation was observed between the lower Sp,O2 of the 6MWT with the 6MWToT, 6MWTT, 6MWTTI, 6MST and STST. Strong correlations was observed between the performances on the 6MST and 6MWT, 6MWToT and 6MWTT; and between the physical activity domain of the SGRQ with the performances in the 6MWT, 6MWToT, 6MWTT,6MST and STST. Conclusion: The functional tests produced similar subjective responses; however, the 6MWTTI caused greater desaturation that 6MWT. The concordance between the 6MWT and the tests performed, suggests acceptable use of any these tests in the physiotherapeutic clinical routine of the individuals COPD. The tests in performed, except the 6MWTTI, shown to be indicators of the quality of life (physical activity domain).

Inclusion criteria

• Tiffeneau index<70% e 30%<FEV1<80% predict;
• no presenting exacerbation during the study period;
• clinical stability for the four weeks preceding the study outset;
• no-smokers or ex-smokers.

Exclusion criteria

• being incapable of understanding the scales and questionary;
• being unable to perform the tests.