The relationship between peak exercise capacity and pulmonary function in patienst with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: The measurements of exercise capacity are important and widely used in cardiopulmonary diseases. Exercise capacity (EC) can be measured by walking tests which provide a valid and easily accessible method correlated to maximal oxygen consumption. The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) is an field test used to measure peak EC with similar accuracy as when estimated from peak oxygen uptake. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate correlation between peak EC and pulmonary function in metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: A total of 29 participants (mean age 44.03±9.7 years) comprised of 11 male and 18 female with MS were eligible to participate in the study. It was determinedpeak EC by incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) and submaximal EC with 6 minute walk test (6MWT). The pulmonary function and maximal inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP) were assessed with spirometer and cabin body-plethysmography. Results: The distance walked on ISWT was 528.27±115.7m that was correlated with 6MWT (r=0.702 p=0.001). In addition, there were significant associations between distance walked on ISWT and MIP (r=0.494, p=0.006), MEP (r=0.429, p=0.020), TLC (r=0.456, p=0.013), VC (r=0.625, p=0.000), IC (r=0.430, p=0.020), FVC (r=0.692, p=0.000), FEV 1 (r=0.730, p=0.000), MEF 75 (r=0.584, p=0.000), MEF 50 (r=0.570, p=0.001), MEF %25-75 (r=0.490, p=0.007). Conclusions: Our results suggested that different parameters of lung function were closely correlated with peak exercise capacity. Therefore, lung function could be also estimated with peak EC from distance walked on ISWTlike 6MWT commonly used, which is a practical, simple, inexpensive test in subjects with MS.