ABSTRACT
This study describes the test-retest reliability of the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and evaluates the possibility to perform the test three times on the same day in patients with postpolio syndrome (PPS). This was an intrarater test-retest reliability study. A total of 23 PPS patients (nine men, 14 women), mean age 67 years, participated in the study. The patients performed three 6MWT with a 30-min rest between each test. Borg scales were used to evaluate leg tiredness, dyspnea, and exertion before and after each test. The influence of walking aids on the outcome of the 6MWT was also evaluated. All patients (n=23) were able to complete the three 6MWT. The individual distances varied from 140-395 m. The relative reliability was high. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1) (95% confidence interval) values ranged from 0.98 (0.95-0.99) (T1-T2) to 0.99 (0.97-0.99) (T2-T3) for the total number of participants. The SEM ranged from 12 to 9 m and the smallest real difference (SRD) ranged from 33 to 26 m for the total number of participants. Data indicate that the 6MWT is reliable for patients with PPS. For the high test-retest reliability, one test may be required. However, as a small learning effect was observed, the best result of two tests can be recommended when evaluating walking ability for research purposes.
Subject(s)
Exercise Test , Gait , Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome/rehabilitation , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Coenzyme Q10 supplementation leads to increased muscle metabolism in patients with post-polio syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training in combination with oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10 in patients with post-polio syndrome regarding muscle strength and endurance as well as functional capacity and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: Parallel randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 14 patients (8 women and 6 men) with post-polio syndrome participated in a 12-week muscular resistance training, 3 days/week. The patients were randomized for oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10, 200 mg/day, or placebo. Measurements used were: sit-stand-sit test, timed up & go test, 6-minute walk test, muscle strength measurement by means of dynamic dynamometer and short-form (SF)-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: Muscle strength, muscle endurance and quality of life regarding mental health increased statistically significantly in all 14 patients. There was no significant difference between the coenzyme Q10 and placebo groups regarding muscle strength, muscle endurance and quality of life. CONCLUSION: There was no effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation during resistance training on post-polio syndrome symptoms. Thus, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 has no beneficial effect on muscle function in patients with post-polio syndrome.
