Effect of arterial oxygen desaturation on six minute walk distance, perceived effort, and perceived breathlessness in patients with airflow limitation.

Abstract

Oxygen desaturation during the six minute walk is not related to walk distance, nor does it determine the degree of perceived exertion or perceived breathlessness in patients with airflow limitation. Patients who consider themselves the most disabled by breathlessness have the shortest six minute walk distance but do not necessarily have appreciable desaturation.