Prediction of physiological responses and performance at altitude using the 6-minute walk test in normoxia and hypoxia

Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
Oliver R GibsonNeil S Maxwell

Abstract

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a reliable and valid tool for determining an individual's functional capacity, and has been used to predict summit success. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate whether a 6MWT in normobaric hypoxia could predict physiological responses and exercise performance at altitude. The secondary aim was to determine construct validity of the 6MWT for monitoring acclimatization to 3400 m (Cuzco, Peru). Twenty-nine participants performed six 6MWTs in four conditions: normoxic outdoor (NO), normoxic treadmill (NT), and hypoxic treadmill (HT) were each performed once; and hypoxic outdoor (HO) was performed three times, at 42 hours (HO1), 138 hours (HO2), and 210 hours (HO3) after arrival at Cuzco. One-way analysis of variance revealed no difference (P>.05) between NO and HO1 for 6MWT distance. HT and HO protocols were comparable for the measurement of delta heart rate (HR) and post-test peripheral oxygen saturation (%Spo2; P>.05). Acclimatization was evidenced by reductions (P<.05) in resting HR and respiratory rate (RR) between HO1, HO2, and HO3, and preservation of Spo2 between HO1 and HO2. Postexercise HR and RR were not different (P>.05) with acclimatization. The duration to ascend to 4215 m on a...Continue Reading

References

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Jan 16, 2007·Wilderness & Environmental Medicine·Maria Antonia NerínManuel Vázquez
Apr 24, 2007·Wilderness & Environmental Medicine·Andrew L MerrittJ Dennis Mull
Sep 10, 2009·Wilderness & Environmental Medicine·Alan RichardsonNeil Maxwell
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Dec 2, 2011·Wilderness & Environmental Medicine·Rob Daniels
Jul 11, 2012·Journal of Travel Medicine·Hugo SalazarMiguel M Cabada

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Citations

Dec 27, 2008·Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases : the Official Journal of National Stroke Association·Haim RingJeffrey M Hausdorff
Feb 14, 2021·Sensors·Tobias DünnwaldMartin Burtscher
Mar 13, 2021·Journal of Sports Science & Medicine·Liam HobbinsOlivier Girard

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