6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) – Notes
Introduction
A submaximal exercise test used to assess functional exercise capacity.
Measures the distance an individual can walk on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes.
Commonly used in cardiac, pulmonary, and rehabilitation settings.
Objectives
To assess aerobic capacity and endurance.
To evaluate response to medical or physiotherapy interventions.
To help predict morbidity and mortality in chronic conditions.
To assess functional status in daily living activities.
Indications
Chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease).
Cardiac conditions (heart failure, pulmonary hypertension).
Pre- and post- rehabilitation programs.
Elderly and neurological patients (to evaluate functional mobility).
Contraindications
Absolute: Recent myocardial infarction (within 1 month), Unstable angina.
Relative: Resting HR >120 bpm, Systolic BP >180 mmHg / Diastolic BP >100 mmHg,
Musculoskeletal or neurological limitations preventing safe walking.
Equipment Required
Stopwatch.
Flat corridor (≥30 meters).
Chairs (for rest if needed).
Sphygmomanometer & pulse oximeter.
Borg Scale (dyspnea/fatigue rating).
Oxygen supply (if patient on long-term oxygen therapy).
Procedure
Explain the procedure to the patient.
Measure baseline vitals (HR, BP, SpO₂, Borg scale).
Instruct patient: “Walk as far as possible for 6 minutes at your own pace. You can slow
down, stop, and rest, but resume walking when able.”
Start the timer and encourage at standard intervals (without coaching pace).
Record total distance covered in 6 minutes.
Recheck vitals and Borg scale immediately after test.
Interpretation
Normal values depend on age, sex, height, and weight.
Healthy adults: 400–700 meters typically.
Shorter distance indicates reduced functional capacity.
Serial testing can monitor progress or decline.
Advantages
Simple, safe, inexpensive.
Reflects activities of daily living better than maximal tests.
Can be repeated to monitor progress.
Limitations
Submaximal → does not measure peak VO₂.
Influenced by motivation, musculoskeletal pain, corridor length.
Requires standardization for accurate results.
