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6 Minute Walk Test Equation:
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The 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a submaximal exercise test that measures the distance a patient can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes. It evaluates functional exercise capacity in children and is commonly used in pediatric pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation.
The calculator uses the pediatric 6MWT prediction equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation predicts the expected 6-minute walk distance for healthy children based on age and height, providing a reference value for clinical assessment.
Details: The 6MWT is valuable for assessing functional capacity, monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment effectiveness, and setting rehabilitation goals in children with chronic conditions.
Tips: Enter age in months (1-216 months, equivalent to 18 years) and height in centimeters. Ensure accurate measurements for reliable predictions.
Q1: What is a normal 6MWT distance for children?
A: Normal distances vary by age, height, and gender. Typically, healthy children walk 400-700 meters in 6 minutes, with distances increasing with age and height.
Q2: When is the 6MWT used in pediatric practice?
A: It's commonly used for children with cystic fibrosis, asthma, congenital heart disease, neuromuscular disorders, and other chronic conditions affecting exercise capacity.
Q3: What factors can affect 6MWT results?
A: Motivation, practice effect, comorbidities, medications, nutritional status, and environmental conditions can all influence test performance.
Q4: How should the test be administered?
A: Standardized instructions, a measured course (usually 30 meters), and consistent encouragement are essential for reliable results.
Q5: What percentage of predicted is considered abnormal?
A: Generally, distances below 80% of predicted values may indicate impaired functional capacity, but clinical context is important for interpretation.