Comparison of Speeds Used for the 15.2-Meter and 6-Minute Walks Over the Year After an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: The SCILT Trial

Neurorehabil Neural Repair, 2007 · DOI: 10.1177/1545968306298937 · Published: July 1, 2007

Simple Explanation

This study compares walking speeds in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) using two common tests: a 15.2-meter walk and a 6-minute walk. The study found that at 3 and 6 months post-injury, there was no significant difference in walking speed between the two tests. However, at 12 months, patients walked significantly faster during the 15.2-meter walk. The researchers suggest that both tests may measure similar aspects of walking ability and that using both in clinical trials may not be necessary, especially for patients with lower walking speeds.

Study Duration

12 Months

Participants

66 to 70 patients with upper motor neuron lesions from C-5 to T-10

Evidence Level

Randomized clinical trial

Key Findings

1
The mean speed for the 15.2-m walk did not differ from that used for the 6-minute walk at 3 and 6 months.
2
At 12 months, the 15.2-m walk was performed faster than the 6-minute walk by approximately 18%.
3
Differences became apparent at each assessment in patients in the highest quartiles (>1.0 m/s) for the 15.2-m walk.

Research Summary

This study compared walking speeds in patients with incomplete SCI using a 15.2-m walk and a 6-minute walk, finding no significant difference in speed at 3 and 6 months post-injury. At 12 months, patients walked faster during the 15.2-m walk, with the most significant differences observed in higher-functioning patients (walking speed >1.0 m/s). The study suggests that both walking tests may measure similar aspects of mobility and that including both in clinical trials may not provide enough additional clinical distinction.

Practical Implications

Clinical Trial Design

Consider whether both a 15.2-m walk and a 6-minute walk are necessary as outcome measures in clinical trials for locomotor interventions in SCI patients.

Assessment of Walking Ability

Recognize that the 15.2-m walk and 6-minute walk may not represent separable domains of mobility, especially for patients with lower walking speeds.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Focus on improving overall walking speed and endurance, with consideration of the potential for fatigue during longer walks, particularly in higher-functioning patients.

Study Limitations

1
The turns every 30 m during the 6-minute walk, however, may have diminished the distance walked over time, thus reducing the calculated speed.
2
Slower walkers (<0.8 m/s) may have less capacity to increase their walking speed over a short distance compared to more functional walkers who can achieve speeds of 1 m/s.
3
The percentage difference and the clinical significance of this difference appear rather modest.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury