Comparison of Six-Minute Walk Test and Modified Bruce Treadmill Test in Paediatric Patients With Severe Burns: A Cross-Over Study.
Alen Palackic, Stephanie Abazie, Ingrid Parry and 8 others
PMID 35801864WHAT IT FOUND
The treadmill test pushed children with severe burns to higher heart rates and perceived effort than the six-minute walk.
The walk test was easier to complete and remains a useful option for patients who cannot tolerate the treadmill.
Key findings
01The treadmill test produced significantly higher maximum heart rates and perceived exertion scores than the six-minute walk test.
02There was poor agreement between the two tests for heart rate and distance, meaning they measure different aspects of physical capacity.
03The six-minute walk test was more feasible for the population, as some participants could complete it but not the treadmill test.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was small (38 children) due to exclusions for inability to complete the tests. The study did not measure oxygen uptake (VO2) during the walk test, so direct comparison of aerobic capacity was limited. Patients were tested only at discharge; the study did not follow up to see how these measures changed over time. 19 patients were able to walk but could not complete the treadmill test, which may bias the results toward those with higher physical capacity.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the six-minute walk test is a valid proxy for maximal cardiorespiratory fitness. The study found poor agreement between the two tests, and the walk test significantly underestimated heart rate and perceived exertion compared to the treadmill.