title: Utility of the 6-minute walk test following lung transplantation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) has replaced standard cardiopulmonary exercises for the evaluation of lung disease. However, data on the utility and characteristics of the 6-MWT following lung transplant are lacking. This study aimed to determine if 6-MWT distance has a normal distribution at 6 months post-transplant and if lower 6-MWT distance was predictive of all-cause mortality.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective chart review of 6-MWT data on all patients who were lung transplant recipients at Ochsner Medical Center between 2000 and 2005. Forty-nine lung transplant recipients completed a 6-MWT at 6 months following transplant. Of these 49 patients, 34 had completed both the 6-month and 12-month 6-MWT, and data from these were used to evaluate change in distance walked over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age was 46 ± 16 years, 57% were female, and 69% received a bilateral lung transplant. Normal distribution by Kolmogorov-Smirnov was demonstrated for 6-MWT distance at 6 months (P  =  0.873). Mean distance walked improved from 348 ± 15 m to 478 ±14 m at 12 months (P  =  0.0001). The 6-MWT distance at 6 months was not a predictor of survival (OR  =  1.002).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Distance for the 6-MWT followed a normal distribution following lung transplant, and distances walked continued to improve for a year following transplant. Although 6-MWT distances are not a predictor of survival, other components of the test may strengthen the predictive value for morbidity and mortality post-transplant.
authors: Leonardo
authors: L
authors: Seoane
authors: Sheny
authors: S
authors: Alex
authors: Claude
authors: C
authors: Pirtle
authors: Maneesh
authors: M
authors: Gupta
authors: David E
authors: DE
authors: Taylor
authors: Vincent G
authors: VG
authors: Valentine
authors: Lee M
authors: LM
authors: Arcement
references: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003 Jun 1;167(11):1522-7
references: 12615634
references: J Heart Lung Transplant. 1997 Mar;16(3):313-9
references: 9087875
references: Chest. 2001 Jan;119(1):256-70
references: 11157613
references: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002 Jul 1;166(1):111-7
references: 12091180
references: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006 Sep 15;174(6):659-64
references: 16778159
references: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006 Oct 1;174(7):803-9
references: 16825656
references: Ann Thorac Med. 2009 Apr;4(2):60-4
references: 19561926
references: Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Jan;90(1):51-7
references: 19154829
references: Am J Transplant. 2006;6(5 Pt 2):1212-27
references: 16613597
references: Transplantation. 2006 Oct 15;82(7):920-3
references: 17038907
references: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1998 Nov;158(5 Pt 1):1384-7
references: 9817683
references: Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2000 Feb;161(2 Pt 1):487-92
references: 10673190