Two 6-minute Walk Tests Are Required During Hospitalisation for Acute Exacerbation of XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1030
UNASSIGNED: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is recommended to be performed twice to accurately assess exercise performance in stable @entity1030 ( @entity1030 ) due to the presence of a learning effect. It is unknown whether a learning effect exists when the 6MWT is performed during hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of @entity1030 (AECOPD). This study investigated whether repeat 6MWTs are necessary when conducted in inpatients with AECOPD. Pooled analysis was undertaken of data from two studies (Australia and Brazil) involving 46 @entity1 (25 males, mean age 67.2 years, FEV1 43% predicted) admitted with AECOPD. Two 6MWTs, separated by >= 20 minutes, were performed on the day of discharge. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD; primary outcome), perceived dyspnoea (Borg scale), heart rate and oxyhaemoglobin saturation were recorded. 6MWD data from tests one (T1) and two (T2) were analysed via visual inspection of Bland-Altman plots. Factors associated with test improvement or decline were explored. Mean 6MWD difference between T1 and T2 was 6.2 m, however limits of agreement were wide (-92.2 m to 104.5 m). 32 (70%) @entity1 improved (by any distance) from T1 to T2 by a mean (   standard deviation) of 32 m    28 m. Of these, 14 (30%) improved by a distance > 30 m. Fourteen (30%) @entity1 recorded poorer 6MWD at T2 by a mean of 52 m    36 m. No factors were able to identify @entity1 who improved or declined upon repeat testing. When performed in @entity1 admitted to hospital with AECOPD, the 6MWT needs to be conducted twice in order to better estimate 6MWD.
