Study of 2-min walk test and 15-step exercise oximetry test in the assessment of exercise tolerance in Egyptian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PurposeThe present study was conducted to study the 2-min walk test and 15-step exercise oximetry test in determination of exercise tolerance in Egyptian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.MethodsSixty male patients with COPD were included in this study who were divided into three groups (mild, moderate and severe). All of the patients were subjected cardio pulmonary exercise test using ramp protocol, 6 min walk test, 2-min walk test and 15 step exercise oximetry test.ResultsIn this study we found significant difference between mild, moderate and severe groups as regards VO2% predicted, distance walked during 6-MWT, distance walked during 2-MWT, and saturation difference % and exercise time/s during 15-step exercise oximetry test (p value <0.05).We found also significant correlation between 2-MWT and 6-MWT and VO2 in the mild, moderate and severe groups. (r = 0.9 and 0.85, respectively for the mild, r = 0.52 and 0.48, respectively for the moderate and r = 0.94 and 0.45, respectively for the severe p <0.05 for all). We did not find such correlation between exercise time in 15-step exercise oximetry test and both 6-MWT and VO2 in the three groups. (r = −0.066 and −0.067, respectively for the mild, r = −0.08 and −0.07, respectively for the moderate and r = −0.07 and −0.021, respectively for the severe, P > 0.05 for all). Also there was non-significant correlation between saturation difference in 15-step exercise oximetry test and both 6-MWT and VO2 in the three groups(r = −0.371 and −0.378, respectively for the mild, r = −0.086 and −0.061, respectively for the moderate and r = −0.051 and −0.013, respectively for the severe p > 0.05 for all).ConclusionsThe study shows that the 2MWT is a valid test for the assessment of exercise capacity in patients with COPD. It is practical, simple, and well-tolerated by patients with severe COPD.