Equação de referência do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos em crianças e adolescentes saudáveis

Abstract

Context: The six minute walk test (6MWT) is used to evaluate the physical function in practice clinic and in research. Reference equation to predict the walked distance has been suggested for healthy adults. After revision of the subject, it was not found a reference equation for 6MWT in children and adolescents in spite of its frequent use. Objective: To elaborate an equation of reference of the 6MWT to evaluate functionalstatus of children and adolescents. Children and methods: 102 healthy children and adolescents were studied (41 boys) with age among 7 and 17 years that just practiced physical activities proposed by the school and or practiced less than 2 times a week out of the school. Two 6MWT were accomplished with an interval of 15 minutes. The largest distance walked was considered for that study. In that observacional study the intervening variables were: gender (G), age, weight, height, BMI (body mass index), Body surface area, length of legs, thigh circumference, metabolism, thin mass, fat mass, peak flow, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures and ratio of the index finger / ring finger of the right hand. Results: In theunivariada analysis the significant intervening variables were: age (months), weigh, height, body surface area, length of legs, thigh circumference, metabolism and peak flow. The multivariada analysis showed the explanatory of 24% by the reference equation: 6MWDmeter = 640,7 + (0,86 x Amonths) - (5,41 x BMI) - (20,07 x G*). *To male G = 0; to female G = 1. Conclusion: This study elaborated a reference equation to predict the walked distance in the 6MWT to healthy children and adolescents. The intervening variables age, BMI and gender explained better the walked distance with R2 of 24%.