Comparison of Maximal Oxygen Consumption Values Estimated from Six Minute Walk Test and Queens College Step Test

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) is single best measure of cardio respiratory capacity and is considered as a benchmark to quantify cardiovascular functional capacity.

To compare the VO₂ max values estimated from six minute walk test and Queens College Step test.

This is a prospective, crossover, observational study involving fifty physiotherapy students in the age group 18–25 years. The height, weight, limb length and hemodynamic parameters were noted. The subjects were made to perform six minute walk test and Queen's College Step Test on two separate days with a gap of one week. VO₂ max max was calculated from both the test results using respective prediction equation. Comparison of the VO₂ max values calculated from two tests was done by repeated measures of Annova which is a parametric test.

The range of VO₂ max of 50 physiotherapy students obtained by using six minute walk test was 23.92 + 5.04 ml/kg/min and that by using Queen's Step test was 39.91 + 4.02 ml/kg/min. According to the norms of VO₂ max given by the Cooper Institute for Aerobic Fitness, Dallas, 2005, the girls were observed to be in ‘POOR’ category of fitness by Six minute walk test and "GOOD" category by Queens College step test. The difference could be atributed to the fact that although both the tests are submaximal, 6MWT is self paced but QCST is externally paced & hence demands more work.

Queen's protocol is safe as it is submaximal test & can be a useful tool in predicting VO₂ max while calculating training intensity.