6 Minute Walk Test Calculator

6 Minute Walk Test Equation:

\[ Predicted Distance = 7.57 \times Height (cm) + 5.02 \times Weight (kg) - 1.76 \times Age - 309 \]

Predicted Distance:

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1. What is the 6 Minute Walk Test?

The 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a submaximal exercise test that measures the distance a person can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes. It evaluates functional exercise capacity and is commonly used in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 6 Minute Walk Test prediction equation:

\[ Predicted Distance = 7.57 \times Height (cm) + 5.02 \times Weight (kg) - 1.76 \times Age - 309 \]

Where:

\( Height \) — Patient's height in centimeters
\( Weight \) — Patient's weight in kilograms
\( Age \) — Age in years

Explanation: This equation predicts the expected distance a healthy individual should be able to walk in 6 minutes based on their anthropometric characteristics.

3. Importance of 6MWT Assessment

Details: The 6MWT is valuable for assessing functional capacity, monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment effectiveness, and determining prognosis in various cardiopulmonary conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters, weight in kilograms, and age in years. All values must be valid (height > 0, weight > 0, age between 1-120).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal 6MWT distance?
A: Normal values vary by age, gender, and physical condition. Generally, healthy adults walk 400-700 meters. The predicted value provides an individualized reference.

Q2: Who should perform the 6MWT?
A: Patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, elderly individuals, and those undergoing rehabilitation. Contraindications include unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, or resting tachycardia.

Q3: How is the actual test conducted?
A: Patients walk back and forth along a measured 30-meter corridor for 6 minutes while standardized encouragement is provided. Distance covered is recorded.

Q4: What factors affect 6MWT performance?
A: Age, height, weight, gender, motivation, comorbidities, medications, and testing environment can all influence results.

Q5: How should results be interpreted?
A: Compare actual walked distance to predicted distance. Significant deviation (>15-20% below predicted) may indicate impaired functional capacity.