Is an Individual Prediction of Maximal Work Rate by 6-Minute Walk Distance and Further Measurements Reliable in Male Patients with Different Lung Diseases?

Background: In patients with chronic lung diseases, the work rate
forendurance training is calculated by the maximal work rate
(W-max).Because the assessment bears side effects, a prediction by
easieraccessible tests would be of practical use. Objective: We
addressed thereliability of predicting W-max on the basis of the
6-min walk distance(6MWD) test and a set of further parameters in
patients with differentlung diseases. Methods: Baseline data of a
longitudinal study including6MWD, W max, peripheral muscle force,
lung function, fat-free mass anddyspnea (Modified Medical Research
Council score) of 255 men withoccupational lung diseases (104
asthma, 69 asbestosis, 42 silicosis, 40 chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease) were evaluated.