PATIENTS EVALUATION OF SEVERE ASTHMA USING THE 6-MINUTE WALK TEST

https://doi.org/10.56274/rcs.2025.4.2.60

Abstract

Introduction: The 6-minute walk test helps us to functionally assess the response of asthmatic patients to exercise. Objective: To functionally assess patients with severe asthma using the 6-minute walk test, before and after therapeutic intervention. Methodology: Descriptive, prospective study in patients seen at the outpatient clinic of the Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico between January 2022 and January 2023. Results: Women 65.0% vs. men 35.0%; 48.75% aged 40-59 years; respiratory rate before exercise 3.75% with tachypnea and after 92.5%; heart rate before starting the first test, 5.0% presented tachycardia and after 91.25%. Dyspnea according to the Borg scale before, from 0 to 3, (52.50% of patients) and after 73.75%; lower limb fatigue before 57.5%, after 70.0%. Sixty-seven-point five percent of patients improved the distance walked by more than 50 meters. Conclusions: When evaluating the 6MWT before a therapeutic intervention: in most patients, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure are elevated. After a therapeutic intervention, there is improvement in oxygen saturation, dyspnea on the Borg scale, and significantly in the distance walked.