Determinants of Six-Minute Walk Test Performance in Women with Systemic Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance in women with systemic sclerosis.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 36 women with systemic sclerosis were assessed using the Medsger Systemic Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSS), modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), University of California Scleroderma Clinical Study Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Scale, quadriceps strength measurement, Milliken Activities of Daily Living Scale (MAS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The 6MWT was performed to assess the participants' functional capacity and examine factors affecting functional capacity.

RESULTS

6MWT distance was moderately associated with disease severity, with 14 participants walking less than 80% of the predicted distance. 6MWT distance was also significantly correlated with spirometry values and MSS, mRSS, HAQ, and MAS scores (p<0.05). In linear regression analysis, MSS and MAS scores were identified as independent predictors of 6MWD and accounted for 42.5% of variance (R2 = 0.425).

CONCLUSION

Disease severity and activities of daily living are independently associated with functional capacity in women with scleroderma, with MSS and MAS scores accounting for 42.5% of variance in 6MWT distance in the linear regression model.