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6-Minute Walk Test:
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The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, standardized assessment of functional exercise capacity. It measures the distance a person can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in a period of 6 minutes.
The test involves measuring the total distance walked in 6 minutes:
Where:
Explanation: This is a direct measurement test that assesses functional capacity without complex calculations. The distance walked reflects the integrated response of multiple body systems.
Details: The 6MWT is widely used to assess functional status in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, evaluate treatment outcomes, monitor disease progression, and assess preoperative risk.
Tips: Enter the total distance walked during the 6-minute test period. The value should be in meters and must be greater than 0. The calculator simply records and displays your measured distance.
Q1: What is a normal 6-minute walk distance?
A: Normal values vary by age, gender, height, and weight. Generally, healthy adults walk 400-700 meters. Reference equations are available for specific populations.
Q2: How should the test be conducted?
A: The test should be performed on a flat, straight 30-meter corridor with standardized instructions and encouragement. Resting before the test is recommended.
Q3: What factors can affect the test results?
A: Motivation, learning effect, comorbidities, medications, oxygen use, recent food intake, and test environment can all influence the distance walked.
Q4: When is the test contraindicated?
A: The test should not be performed in patients with unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, resting heart rate >120, systolic BP >180, or diastolic BP >100 mmHg.
Q5: How is the test interpreted?
A: Results are compared to predicted values or previous tests. A significant decrease may indicate worsening condition, while improvement suggests positive treatment response.