# Performance in the Six-Minute Walking Test Does Not Discriminate Excessive Erythrocytosis Patients in a Severe Hypoxic Environment

## TL;DR

The study found that excessive erythrocytosis does not significantly impact walking performance in a high-altitude hypoxic environment.

## Contribution

This study is novel in showing that erythrocytosis does not impair 6MWT performance in individuals living at extreme altitudes.

## Key findings

- EE subjects had significantly higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels compared to healthy controls.
- No significant differences in 6MWT distance or most vital signs were observed between EE and healthy subjects.
- Arterial oxygen saturation was consistently lower in EE subjects during the test.

## Abstract

Background: Chronic exposure to severe hypoxia causes an increase in hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), which can lead to excessive erythrocytosis (EE) and impact physical performance. This work aims to determine the differences in the six-minute walking test (6MWT) between EE and healthy subjects residing at more than 5000 m. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed on 71 men (36 healthy and 25 suffering from EE) living in La Rinconada, Peru (5100 m). Basal levels of [Hb] and Hct were obtained. All the subjects performed the 6MWT, and distance reached, vital signs, dyspnea, and fatigue (Borg scale) at the end of the test were recorded. Results: The average [Hb] and Hct levels in the control group were 18.7 ± 1.2 g/dL and 60.4 ± 7.1%, respectively, contrasting with EE subjects, who showed 23.4 ± 1.6 g/dL and 73.6 ± 5.9% (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in BMI or other anthropometric parameters. At the end of the 6MWT, the distance traveled and vital constants were similar between both groups, except for arterial oxygen saturation, which was consistently lower in subjects with EE throughout the test. Conclusion: EE does not significantly affect 6MWT performance at high altitudes, nor the hemodynamic control during moderate aerobic exercise of subjects who live permanently in a severely hypoxic environment.