Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Obesity is a serious worldwide medical condition, considered by some researchers as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. The 6 minute walk test (6MWT) is a practical, simple test that measures the maximal distance walked in 6 minute. It can be used to evaluate functional capacity for human performance. To investigate the criterion related validity and intra rater reliability of 6MWT in relation to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in assessing functional capacity in moderate obese subject. Forty subject from both sex (20 males and 20 females), with BMI between 30 to 35 kg/m2 their ages ranged from 20 to 30 years old. All subjects were undergoing both 6MWT twice and CPX one time. Results: there was a significant positive relationship between 6 minute walk test distance (6MWD) and VO2 in moderate obese subject, with rs=0.88, p and P-value =0.0001 and high test-retest reliability in the study group (ICC=0.96, with 95% CI 0.93-0.98) A significant difference in the 6MWD between the males and females participants was observed in this study. The males had a significantly higher mean 6MWD (545.25±34.81m vs. 489.5±45.12 m) than the females counterparts. Six minute walk test may be considered as criterion related valid and intra rater reliable test to measure functional capacity in relation to cardiopulmonary exercise testing in moderate obese subject

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