Individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) commonly have reduced exercise capacity, which impacts autonomy and quality of life. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) has adequate measurement properties to assess exercise capacity in this population. However, these individuals have a reduced fatigue threshold, which may make it difficult to apply prolonged exercise tests. Two-minute walk test (2MWT) is a potential alternative to optimize the measurement of this outcome.

To assess the t validity of the 2MWT for assessing exercise capacity in individuals with PD.

A methodological study was developed. People with idiopathic PD, age ≥ 50 years, medically stable for at least 6 months, classified between the stages 1-3 of the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale were included. Individuals were instructed to walk the longest possible distance in six minutes in a 30-meter corridor. Standardized stimuli were provided every minute of the test. In the second and sixth minutes, the distances covered were recorded. Two tests were performed with an interval of 30 minutes or until hemodynamic stabilization. The best total distance covered (in meters) was used in the analyses. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize the sample. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was used to investigate the correlation between the tests (6MWT and 2MWT). Regression analysis was used to develop an equation to predict the distance covered in the 6MWT based on the 2MWT. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the validity of the equation. The magnitude of the correlation was classified as follows: very low≤ 0.25; low=0.26-0.49; moderate=0.50-0.69; high = 0.70-0.89; and very high = 0.90-1.00. The significance level was α=0.05.

Forty-six individuals, 32 males (69.6%), mean age 66.93±8.34 years, and mean disease duration 8.5±5.96 years were included. Most were classified at stage 2.0 (54 .3%) and 3.0 (17.4%) on the modified Hoehn & Yahr Scale. Significant, and very high magnitude correlation between the distance covered in the tests was found (6MWT and 2MWT) (r=0.95; p < 0.001). The equation developed to estimate the distance covered in the 6MWT explained 91% of the 6MWT variability: 6MWTdistance=46,31+(2,40x2MWTdistance). Significant, and very high magnitude agreement between the distance covered in the 6MWT and predicted by the equation was found (ICC= 0.90; p < 0.001).

Preliminary results indicate adequate validity of the 2MWT to assess exercise capacity in individuals with PD. Furthermore, the developed equation was adequate to predict the distance covered in the 6MWT based upon in the distance covered in the 2MWT. However, the study must be completed to ensure the results.

The 2MWT has potential to assess exercise capacity in individuals with PD, and the developed equation can estimate the distance covered in the 6MWT. This can optimize the measurement of this result, making the measurement feasible.