Validation of 6-Minute Walk Test and Development of VO2max Prediction Equation in the Elderly

vPURPOSE: Cardiorespiratory fitness is closely related to cardiovascular and chronic diseases and is an important predictor of mortality. Despite the significance of cardiorespiratory fitness, currently, a lack of research exists that validates the effectiveness of the 6-minute walk test, specifically in the Korean population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify the validity of the 6-minute walk test for Korean older individuals and to develop a maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max) prediction equation.METHODS: A total of 167 participants were included in the final analysis, after excluding 33 of the 200 participants. Moreover, VO_2max was measured by performing a submaximal exercise test on a treadmill, and the total distance and heart rate were measured using a 6-minute walk test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to verify the criterion validity between VO_2max and total distance in the 6-minute walk test. To develop a VO_2max prediction equation, multiple regression analysis was conducted and cross-validation of the developed prediction equation was confirmed.RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between VO_2max and the 6-minute walk test was 0.575 (p<.001). The adjusted R2 of the VO_2max prediction equation using the 6-minute walk test was 0.449 (p<.001). The difference between the predicted VO_2max and measured VO_2max was 1.184±1.331 mL/kg/min, and the correlation coefficient was 0.594 (p<.001).CONCLUSION: The developed prediction equation consisted of explanatory variables that can be measured easily and were practical in the field. As entry into a post-aged society is imminent, managing older adult’s physical fitness has become a significant issue. In the future, if the validity verification is performed with a large number of people, the prediction formula developed in this study will be useful.