Rate of perceived exertion and cardiovascular response of community dwelling older adults to six-minute walk test

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the rate of perceived exertion, cardiovascular responses of community dwelling older  adults to six minutes' walk (6MWT) and possible gender difference. Methods: One hundred and three apparently healthy community dwelling older adults, aged 60 years and above participated in the  study. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and cardiovascular responses (blood pressure, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2 ) and  pulse rate) were measured pre and post 6MWT. Results: There was a significant increase (p = 0.01) in RPE among all participants after the 6MWT. There was no significant difference  (p>0.05) in all the cardiovascular parameters pre and post 6MWT but with a significant difference in SPO2 between male and female  participants.  Conclusion: Among older adults, rate of perceived exertion after a 6MWT was sort of hard with possible influence on the  Systolic Blood Pressure following 6MWT. Female participants showed higher oxygen saturation than males.