Functional capacity assessed by the six-minute walk test in hypertensive and normotensive individuals: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: This study analyzed functional capacity and physical activity level in hypertensive and normotensive individuals. Methodology: This was an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study conducted using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The sample consisted of 38 participants, with a mean age of 53.6 ± 7.2 years, of whom 52.6% were hypertensive and 47.4% were normotensive. The sample was predominantly female, married, and had completed secondary education. Regarding lifestyle habits, most participants reported not being current smokers, had social alcohol consumption, and were classified as sufficiently active according to the IPAQ. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the hypertensive and normotensive groups in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or distance covered in the 6MWT. A significant positive correlation was observed between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but no association was found between blood pressure and 6MWT performance. Discussion: These findings suggest that clinically monitored hypertensive individuals with more active lifestyles may present functional capacity similar to that of normotensive individuals, at least when assessed by a submaximal test. Conclusion: Isolated systemic arterial hypertension may not be sufficient to produce detectable functional impairment in clinically stable and physically active individuals when assessed by the 6MWT.