Predictive models of six-minute walking distance in adults with sickle cell anemia: implications for rehabilitation

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 824 - 831
• Main Authors: Lima Marinho, Cirlene de, P.T., MSc, Paixão Maioli, Maria Christina, M.D., Ph.D, Soares, Andrea Ribeiro, M.D., Ph.D, Bedirian, Ricardo, M.D., Ph.D, Lopes de Melo, Pedro, Eng., Ph.D, Guimarães, Fernando Silva, P.T., Ph.D, Ferreira, Arthur de Sá, P.T., Ph.D, Lopes, Agnaldo José, M.D., Ph.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2016
• Subjects: Adult; Anemia, Sickle Cell - physiopathology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electrocardiography; Exercise; Exercise Test - methods; Exercise Tolerance - physiology; Female; Hemodynamic; Hemodynamics - physiology; Hemoglobins - analysis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy Modalities; Reproducibility of Results; Respiratory Function Tests; Sickle cell anemia; Walking - physiology; exercise; performance; respiratory function tests; hemodynamic; sickle cell anemia; Sickle cell anemia; Exercise; Performance; Hemodynamic; Respiratory function tests
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.02.005

Summary Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is characterized by a broad spectrum of abnormalities that affect most body organs and systems. To date, there is few data on the influence of these patients’ clinical characteristics on the functional exercise capacity. Aim To investigate the effect of the clinical complications on the functional exercise capacity of adult SCA patients. Method Cross-sectional study, where 45 SCA patients underwent clinical evaluations, echocardiography, pulmonary function testing, and determination of six-minute walking distance (6MWD). Results A significant correlation ( P < 0.001) was found between 6MWD and hemoglobin (Hb) level, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, forced vital capacity, acute chest syndrome, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. The prediction model for 6MWD explained 67% of the 6MWD variability ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Hemodynamics, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and episodes of acute lung injury seem to impact the 6MWD in adults with SCA.