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6-Minute Walk Test
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About 6-Minute Walk Test
Scale Name
6-Minute Walk Test
Author Details
Steffen, T. M.
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a practical, simple, and widely-used tool to assess functional exercise capacity. It evaluates the distance an individual can walk over six minutes on a flat, hard surface at their own pace. This test reflects a person’s ability to perform daily activities and is often used for populations with cardiopulmonary, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders, as well as older adults.
The 6MWT provides insights into endurance, functional mobility, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. It is especially valuable in detecting subtle declines in physical performance that might not be evident in shorter-duration tests.
The 6 M W T is a measure of the individual’s physiological or cardiovascular function and reflects the functional exercise level for daily physical activities (ATS, 2002; Torrey, 2002) and mobility-related function among older adults (Harada et al., 1999). The test has been reported to have high reliability with coefficients of ICC = 0.88-0.95 (Rikli & Jones, 1998; Steffen et al., 2002) and moderate correlation (r=0.71) with older adults’ overall physical performance assessed by treadmill performance (Rikli & Jones, 1998).
The 6 M W T was also found to have a high correlation (r=0.97) with older adults’ sum- maximal exercise VO2 (kervio et al., 2002) and moderate correlation (r=-0.73 and 0.61) with mobility assessed using the gait speed test (Harada et al., 1999) and with functional ability assessed using the physical function scale (Bean et al., 2002) respectively.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Preparation:
- Use a 30-meter (100 feet) straight walkway marked at regular intervals.
- Ensure the environment is free of obstacles, with a flat and non-slippery surface.
- Provide a stopwatch, chair for rest, and access to emergency equipment if needed.
- Pre-Test Instructions:
- Explain the purpose and procedure to the participant.
- Measure resting heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation if required.
- Instruct the participant to walk as far as possible in six minutes but to avoid running or jogging.
- During the Test:
- Allow the participant to stop and rest if necessary but encourage them to resume walking as soon as they can.
- Avoid pacing the participant; offer neutral encouragement like, “You are doing well, keep going.”
- Post-Test Procedures:
- Measure post-walk heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
- Record the total distance walked and note any symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
Reliability and Validity
- Reliability: High test-retest reliability when standardized procedures are followed.
- Validity: Demonstrates strong validity for assessing functional exercise capacity and correlates well with VO₂ max, a gold standard measure of aerobic fitness.
Available Versions
Multiple-Items
Reference
Steffen, T. M. (2000). Functional assessment: A literature review of four tools. Focus: Geriatric Physical Therapy: An Independent Home Study Course for Individual Continuing Education.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary purpose of the 6MWT?
It measures functional exercise capacity and endurance, reflecting a person’s ability to perform daily physical activities.
Q2: How long does it take to administer the test?
The test itself lasts 6 minutes, but preparation and post-test monitoring may extend the total time to approximately 15–20 minutes.
Q3: Can the 6MWT be used for all populations?
Yes, it is versatile and widely used for older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those in rehabilitation settings.
Q4: What equipment is needed?
A stopwatch, a marked walkway, and optional equipment like a pulse oximeter and blood pressure cuff for pre- and post-test measurements.
Q5: Are there contraindications for the 6MWT?
Yes, individuals with unstable cardiovascular conditions or severe musculoskeletal limitations should not perform the test without medical clearance.
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