Comparison between stair-climbing test and six-minute walk test after lung resection using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy

[Purpose] Currently, the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) is used to evaluate exercise capacity in people following lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer. However, it is unclear whether the 6MWD can detect changes in cardiorespiratory fitness induced by exercise training or lung resection. Conversely, the stair-climbing test is used frequently for the preoperative evaluation of lung resection candidates. It is considered a sensitive method for detecting changes associated with training, but is not used to evaluate exercise capacity after lung resection. The purpose of this study was to compare the stair-climbing test and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) after lung resection. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen patients undergoing lung resection completed the stair-climbing test and the 6MWT preoperatively, and one month postoperatively. The postoperative values and the percentage change in the stair-climbing test and the 6MWT were evaluated. [Results] The stair-climbing test results showed a significant deterioration at one month after lung resection; however, a significant change in the 6MWD was not observed. [Conclusion] When compared with the 6MWT, the stair-climbing test was more sensitive in detecting lung resection-induced changes in cardiorespiratory fitness.