Accuracy of six minute walk test, stair test and spirometry using maximal oxygen uptake as gold standard

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of the variables stair climbing time (SCt), stair climbing power (SCP), six-minute walk test distance (6MWT), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) using maximal oxygen uptake on exercise (VO2max) as the gold standard. METHODS: Tests were performed in 51 patients. FEV1 was measured by spirometry and 6MWT was performed in a flat 120-m corridor. Stair climbing test was performed on a 6-flight stairway to obtain SCt and SCP. VO2max was measured by ergospirometry, using the Balke protocol. Pearson's linear correlation and p values were calculated between VO2max and the other variables tested. For accuracy calculations, variable cutoff points were obtained through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, dividing individuals into normal or unhealthy. Kappa statistic was used to calculate concordance. RESULTS: Accuracy was: SCt - 86%, 6MWT - 80%, SCP - 71%, FEV1(L) - 67%, FEV1(%) - 63%. SCt and 6MWT showed 93.5% sensitivity when combined in parallel, and 96.4% specificity in series. CONCLUSION: SCt presented the best accuracy. SCt and 6MWT combined showed nearly 100% sensitivity or specificity. Thus, these simple exercise tests should be more routinely used, especially when an ergospirometer is not available to measure VO2max.