A Six Minute Walking Test Based Index as an Outcome Predictor in COPD Subjects. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

The six minute walking test (6MWT) is a recognized clinical test to evaluate exercise capacity in different diseases and different conditions. The modalities of performance are described in International Guidelines. The usually reported measure is the distance in meters walked in 6 minutes. Despite the report of a single variable during the test is considered as a limit, changes in monitored variables are seldom analyzed together with the distance walked. In the past there have been some attempts of multifactorial evaluation of 6MWT, however up to date, there is no system considering together the changes of different variables. The investigators wonder whether a multidimensional index based on variables monitored during the 6MWT would better predict 24 month exacerbations and mortality in COPD patients.