6-Minute Walk
6 MW
Description
"6-Minute Walk" test helps evaluate heart and lung function, monitor chronic disease, and track physical recovery. It measures how far you can walk in six minutes and offers a quick view of cardiovascular endurance. During the test, distance walked, heart rate, and oxygen levels are recorded. Results help determine treatment effectiveness, physical limitations, or need for further care. It’s especially useful in managing heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or tracking rehab progress over time.
Category
Heart Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Meters
Procedure Category
Assess
Test Group
Complete Cardiovascular Group, Cardio Risk Group, Physical Function Group
Test Group Description
Cardio Risk Group: This group focuses on assessing various markers associated with cardiovascular health and risk factors, aiding in the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases. Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments. Physical Function Group: Tests within this group assess various aspects of physical function, offering insights into an individual's mobility, strength, and endurance. These tests help evaluate overall physical health and identify potential limitations or areas for improvement.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 400.00–700.00 m
SI Unit: 400.00–700.00 m
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Asthma (chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (progressive lung disease)
Coronary artery disease (narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries)
General deconditioning (loss of physical fitness or strength)
- ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Functional Capacity Assessment: Measures exercise tolerance and ability to perform daily activities.
Cardiopulmonary Function Evaluation: Assesses heart and lung performance to evaluate overall health.
Disease Progression Monitoring: Tracks conditions like COPD or heart failure over time.
Treatment Response Assessment: Evaluates improvements from therapies like pulmonary rehab.
Preoperative Risk Assessment: Predicts how well a patient may tolerate surgery.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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[2] ATS Committee on Proficiency Standards for Clinical Pulmonary Function Laboratories. ATS statement: guidelines for the six-minute walk test. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002;166(1):111-117.
[3] Ross RM, Murthy JN, Wollak ID, et al. The six-minute walk test accurately estimates mean peak oxygen uptake. BMC Pulm Med. 2010;10:31.
[4] Holland AE, Spruit MA, Troosters T, et al. An official European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society technical standard: field walking tests in chronic respiratory disease. Eur Respir J. 2014;44(6):1428-1446.
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[8] Cahalin LP, Mathier MA, Semigran MJ, et al. The six-minute walk test predicts peak oxygen uptake and survival in patients with advanced heart failure. Chest. 1996;110(2):325-332.
[9] du Bois RM, Weycker D, Albera C, et al. Six-minute-walk test in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: test validation and minimal clinically important difference. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2011;183(9):1231-1237.
[10] Guyatt GH, Thompson PJ, Berman LB, et al. How should we measure function in patients with chronic heart and lung disease? J Chronic Dis. 1985;38(6):517-524.
[11] Bellet RN, Adams L, Morris NR. The 6-minute walk test in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation: validity, reliability, and responsiveness—a systematic review. Phys Ther. 2012;92(10):1367-1381.
[12] Solway S, Brooks D, Lacasse Y, et al. A qualitative systematic overview of the measurement properties of functional walk tests used in the cardiorespiratory domain. Chest. 2001;119(1):256-270.