A comparison of oximetry sensors during the six minute walk test
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of finger and forehead oximetry sensors during the six minute walk test.
IRAS ID
210827
Contact name
Lucy Robertson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 21 days
Research summary
The aim of this single centre study is to compare forehead oximeter probe with finger oximetry probe for measuring blood oxygen levels during the six minute walk test. It will also compare these readings with blood oxygen levels directly taken from capillaries in the ear. This method of sampling blood oxygen levels from blood vessels is often used as a substitute for arterial sampling (in the arm) as it is less invasive. To sample blood from the ear a warming agent is applied to the puncture site prior to the collection of the capillary blood sample. This increases local blood flow leading to blood values that more accurately reflect arterial blood.
The study will take place in the Respiratory Physiology department at Papworth hospital. The study participant will perform their routine six minute walk test as normal wearing a forehead probe, but will also be asked additionally to wear a finger probe during the test. Both of the oximeter probes will be placed in a location that will not cause too much to discomfort for the participant. They will also have their capillary blood gas taken from their ear pre and post walk test.
The six minute walk test assesses the functional capacity of patients by measuring the distance a patient can walk on a flat surface within 6 minutes. The test is self-paced with the patient choosing the intensity to walk at and the patient is allowed to stop and rest during the test. Commonly finger oximetry probes are used during the six minute walk test to measure the oxygen levels and heart rate. Our centre currently uses the forehead probe to measure oxygen saturation and heart rate during the six minute walk test.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0438
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion