Six Minute Walk Test MD Calc

Six Minute Walk Test Equation:

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

Measured Walked Distance:

Height:

Age:

years

Weight:

Gender:

Predicted Distance:

Percentage of Predicted:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Six Minute Walk Test?

The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a submaximal exercise test used to assess aerobic capacity and endurance. It measures the distance a patient can quickly walk on a flat, hard surface in a period of 6 minutes, providing valuable information about functional exercise capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the reference equation for predicted distance:

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

Where:

\( Height \) — Patient height in centimeters
\( Age \) — Patient age in years
\( Weight \) — Patient weight in kilograms
\( 309 \) — Constant for male patients

Explanation: The 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 widely used in clinical practice to monitor functional status in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, assess response to therapeutic interventions, and evaluate prognosis in various chronic conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the measured walked distance in meters, height in centimeters, age in years, weight in kilograms, and select gender. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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. The calculator provides predicted values based on reference equations.

Q2: How is the percentage of predicted calculated?
A: Percentage of predicted = (Measured distance ÷ Predicted distance) × 100%. Values below 80% may indicate impaired functional capacity.

Q3: What conditions affect 6MWT performance?
A: Cardiopulmonary diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological conditions, anemia, and deconditioning can all reduce 6MWT distance.

Q4: Are there safety considerations for 6MWT?
A: Yes, the test should be supervised by trained personnel. Contraindications include unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, or resting tachycardia.

Q5: How should the test be administered?
A: Standardized instructions should be given, and patients should walk at their own pace in a measured corridor. Standard encouragement phrases may be used at regular intervals.