The six minute walk distance (6MWD, six minute walk test) is a simple test of functional performance. Several factors may impact performance, so it is important to standardize it as much as possible.
Parameters:
(1) age
(2) height
(3) body weight
(4) gender
(5) mental state
(6) testing area
(7) experience with test
(8) medical conditions
(9) medications
|
Parameter |
Improve Performance |
Decrease Performance |
|
age |
younger |
older |
|
height |
tall |
short |
|
body weight |
obese |
thin |
|
gender |
male |
female |
|
mental state |
motivated |
confused or sedated |
|
testing area |
long and straight |
short hallway with the need to turn frequently |
|
experience with test |
high |
first time |
|
medical conditions |
limited and mild |
many and severe |
|
medications |
disease modifying drug taken shortly before test, use of supplemental oxygen |
failure to take medications; medications that worsen performance |
It is important to standardize the test as much as possible, especially if the results are going to be used to compare therapies or monitor performance over time.
Purpose: To identify factors affecting a patient's performance in the six minute walking distance (6MWD, six minute walk test).
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Objective: other testing, disability and performance
ICD-10: I00-I99, J00-J99,
