Six Minute Walk Test / 6 Minute Walk Test

 

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Objective

The 6 Minute Walk Test is a sub-maximal exercise test used to assess aerobic capacity and endurance. The distance covered over a time of 6 minutes is used as the outcome by which to compare changes in performance capacity.

Intended Population

Preschool children (2-5 years), children (6-12 years) adults (18-64 years), elderly adults (65+) with a wide range of diagnoses including:

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Geriatrics
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Stroke

Method of Use

Equipment Required:

• Stopwatch
• Measuring/trundle wheel to measure distance covered
• 30metre stretch of unimpeded walkway
• Pulse oximeter for measuring heart rate and SpO2
• Borg Breathlessness Scale

Set-Up:

• Place cones at either end of the 30metre stretch as turning points
• Have chairs set up either side and halfway along the walking stretch

Patient Instructions:

• "The object of this test is to walk as far as possible for 6 minutes. You will walk back and forth in this

hallway. Six minutes is a long time to walk, so you will be exerting yourself. You will probably get out of
breath or become exhausted. You are permitted to slow down, to stop, and to rest as necessary. You
may lean against the wall while resting, but resume walking as soon as you are able. You will be walking
back and forth around the cones. You should pivot briskly around the cones and continue back the other
way without hesitation. Now I’m going to show you. Please watch the way I turn without hesitation.”

• Read this standardised encouragement during the test:

After the 1st minute: “You are doing well. You have 5 minutes to go.”
When the timer shows 4 minutes remaining: “Keep up the good work. You have 4 minutes to go.”
When the timer shows 3 minutes remaining: “You are doing well. You are halfway done.
When the timer shows 2 minutes remaining: “Keep up the good work. You have only 2 minutes left.
When the timer shows 1 minute remaining: “You are doing well. You only have 1 minute to go.
With 15 seconds to go: “In a moment I’m going to tell you to stop. When I do, just stop right where you
are and I will come to you.”
At 6 minutes: “Stop”

• If the participant stops at any time prior, you can say: “You can lean against the wall if you would like;

then continue walking whenever you feel able.”

• Do not use other words of encouragement (or body language) to influence the patient’s walking

speed. Accompany the participant along the walking course, but keep just behind them. Do not lead
them.

• If available record the distance at which the oxygen saturation drops < 88%

References

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