Measuring Steady-State Oxygen Uptake during the 6-Min Walk Test in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Feasibility and Construct Validity

• Published in: International journal of rehabilitation research Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 181 - 183
• Main Authors: Maltais, Desiree B, Robitaille, Nancy-Michelle, Dumas, Francine, Boucher, Normand, Richards, Carol L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; Cerebral Palsy; Cerebral Palsy - metabolism; Cerebral Palsy - rehabilitation; Construct Validity; Disabled Persons - rehabilitation; Exercise Test; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Measurement; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Activities; Reproducibility of Results; Walking - physiology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0342-5282; 1473-5660
• DOI: 10.1097/MRR.0b013e3283527792

This study evaluated the feasibility of measuring steady-state oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O[subscript 2]) during the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) who walk without support and whether there is construct validity for net 6MWT V[Combining Dot Above]O[subscript 2] as a measure of their walking ability. Cardiorespiratory variables were assessed at rest and during the 6MWT in 15, independently ambulatory adults, 21-41 years old, with CP. The Gross Motor Function Measure dimensions D and E (GMFM-D and GMFM-E) quantified walking-related skills. Steady-state V[Combining Dot Above]O[subscript 2] was achieved during the 6MWT. After controlling for body mass and speed, the net 6MWT V[Combining Dot Above]O[subscript 2] was strongly related to GMFM-D (r=-0.58, [rho]=0.03) and GMFM-E scores (r=-0.66, [rho]=0.007). We conclude that for young adults with CP who walk without support, it is feasible to measure steady-state V[Combining Dot Above]O[subscript 2] during the 6MWT and that the net 6MWT V[Combining Dot Above]O[subscript 2] has construct validity as a measure of walking ability.