Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients at High Risk for Complications From Lung Resection

Description of the Study Tests:

The exercise stress test is commonly used for predicting possible complications that may
occur after lung surgery. The 6-minute walk test is a simpler test that does not require as
much equipment.

6-Minute Walk Test: If you agree to take part in this research study, you will be asked to
perform two 6-minute walk tests along with your routine exercise stress test. Both 6-minute
walk tests will be done within 15 Days of the already scheduled exercise stress test if your
clinical condition does not change during that time period. The 6-minute walk tests should be
done at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after the exercise stress test. The second 6-minute
walk test may be done 20 minutes after the first one. If you had a 6-minute walk test done
within 15 Days before enrolling in the study, it can be used for the study.

To perform the 6-minute walk tests, you will walk as far as possible around cones on a flat
indoor course that is about 40 yards long. You will walk at your own pace and can take breaks
at any time if necessary. After the 6 minutes, the study staff will tell you the total
distance you have walked.

Researchers will compare the distances you walked for the two 6-minute walk tests with the
results of the exercise stress test. The walk test results will not affect your treatment
plan.

Other Study Procedures:

Before and after the walk tests, the following procedures will be performed. Your blood
pressure will be measured. You will be asked about any shortness of breath and/or fatigue you
may have.

Before, during, and for about 1 minute after the walk tests, your heart rate will be
measured. A device that looks like a clothespin will be placed on your finger to wear during
this time, and it will measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Length of Study:

You will be considered off-study after the second walk test.

If you do have lung surgery, researchers will monitor your health status by checking your
medical records until you are discharged from the hospital or for 30 days after the lung
surgery, whichever comes first.

This is an investigational study. Using the 6-minute walk test for this study's purpose is
considered experimental. Up to 101 patients will take part in this study. All will be
enrolled at M. D. Anderson.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient's age is between 18-90.

2. Patient has been referred for an oxygen consumption exercise test because they are
considered high risk for morbidity and/or mortality post lung resection

3. Patient must be able to read, understand and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients diagnosed with angina pectoris

2. Patients diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis

3. Patients with unstable gait that persists with use of assistive device

4. Patients unable to walk