THU0608-HPR VALIDITY OF SIX MINUTE STEPPER TEST IN EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL EXERCISE CAPACITY IN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Abstract

Background:In most patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), exercise capacity decreases due to pulmonary dysfunction, chest wall restriction and peripheral muscle weakness. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a validated simple field, hence frequently used to evaluate exercise capacity. However, 6MWT has some limitations, especially the fact that it requires a corridor of at least 30 meters long to perform this test which can limit its use in some centers. Shorter corridors force patients to turn more frequently, slowing down the pace of walking that reduces potential walking distance. To overcome technical and spatial limitations, 6-minute stepper test (6MST) has been proposed to evaluate exercise capacity. In the literature 6MST has been suggested for a variety of diseases. Since, it requires only a limited amount of space and equipment and is feasible, easy to perform, well tolerated.Objectives:In the literature, there is no study in which 6MST is used to evaluate exercise capacities of patients with AS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate validity of 6MST in AS population in comparison to 6MWT.Methods:6MWT and 6MST were performed in 51 patients with AS (52.26±13.33 years, 30F/21M). Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated using 6MWT and 6MST. The total distance of 6MWT was compared to the total number of steps of 6MST. Before, during and after 6MWT and 6MST, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), breathing frequency (BF), blood pressure (BP), dyspnea and fatigue were assessed using modified Borg scale.Results:The number of steps on the 6MST was significantly correlated with the distance of the 6MWT (r=0.61, p<0.0001). Dyspnea (p=0.04) and leg fatigue (p<0.0001) was significantly higher in 6MST than in 6MWT. HR, SpO2, BF, BP and fatigue were similar in both 6MST and 6MWT.Conclusion:The 6MST is a valid test to evaluate exercise capacity in patients with AS. It is also an appropriate alternative to the 6MWT for determining exercise capacity when the 6MWT is not feasible due to technical restrictions. The 6MST can be proposed as a new exercise capacity evaluation tool in AS, as it is valid, reliable, portable and inexpensive.References:[1]van der Esch, Martin, et al. Respiratory muscle performance as a possible determinant of exercise capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 2004;50(1):41-46.[2]ATS Committee on Proficiency Standards for Clinical Pulmonary Function Laboratories. ATS statement: guidelines for the six-minute walk test. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002;166(1):111–117.[3]Grosbois JM, Riquier C, Chehere B, et al. Six-minute stepper test: a valid clinical exercise tolerance test for COPD patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2016;11:657–663.Disclosure of Interests:None declared