title: Responsiveness of the six-minute step test to a physical training program in patients with COPD.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the responsiveness of the six-minute step test (6MST) to an aerobic physical training program (PTP) and to determine the efficacy of the PTP regarding spirometric variables during the 6MST, as well as physical performance, sensation of dyspnea, and SpO2 during the 6MST and the six-minute walk test (6MWT), in patients with COPD.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a controlled, prospective randomized study involving patients clinically diagnosed with COPD, with an FEV₁/FVC ratio < 70%, and having been clinically stable in the last two months. The patients were randomized to undergo a PTP on a treadmill, three times a week, for six weeks (PTP group) or not (control group). Histories were taken from all of the patients, who received regular respiratory therapy during the study period, undergoing physical examination and spirometry before and after bronchodilator use; incremental symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing; the 6MST; and the 6MWT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 36 patients that completed the study, 21 and 15 were in the PTP and control groups, respectively. In the PTP group, there was a significant increase in the number of steps climbed during the 6MST and in the six-minute walk distance (in m and % of predicted), as well as a significant decrease in the sensation of dyspnea during the 6MWT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 6MST showed responsiveness to the PTP. However, the 6MWT appears to be more responsive to the PTP proposed.
authors.affiliation: UNICEP, Central Paulista University Center – São Carlos, Brazil. kmarrara@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Kamilla Tays
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Marrara
authors.forename: Diego Marmorato
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Marino
authors.forename: Maurício
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jamami
authors.forename: Antônio Delfino de
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Oliveira Junior
authors.forename: Valéria Amorim Pires
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Di Lorenzo
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index