The Safety of the 6-minute Walk Test After Acute Myocardial Infarction

The Safety of the 6-minute Walk Test After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is widely used as an instrument for assessing the functional capacity of cardiac patients. It's a simple, low cost test that better reflects day-to-day activities when compared to other tests. Its use to evaluate the functional capacity of cardiac patients in the in-hospital phase after acute myocardial infarction requires further studies. Objective: To evaluate the safety of the 6MWT performed on the third day after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: It's a cross-sectional study, to be accomplished in Hospital São Paulo - Federal University of Sao Paulo. Individuals, of both genders, aged 18 years and over, will be assessed on the third day after acute myocardial infarction. The 6MWT will be performed according to the norms of the American Thoracic Society. The distance covered during the 6MWT will be measured as weel as adverse events.

Inclusion Criteria:

• AMI patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous history of AMI
• Recurrent or refractory pain
• Presence of neuromuscular diseases
• Acute or chronic lung diseases
• Inability to perform the functional test