Six Minutes Test Walk Calculator

6MWT Equation:

\[ Predicted Distance = 7.57 \times Height (cm) - 5.02 \times Age - 1.76 \times Weight (kg) + Gender Adjustment \]

Height:

Age:

years

Weight:

Gender:

Predicted Distance:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Six Minutes Walk Test?

The Six Minutes Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, inexpensive, and well-tolerated test that measures the distance a person can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in six minutes. It evaluates functional exercise capacity and is commonly used in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 6MWT prediction equation:

\[ Predicted Distance = 7.57 \times Height (cm) - 5.02 \times Age - 1.76 \times Weight (kg) + Gender Adjustment \]

Where:

\( Height \) — Patient's height in centimeters
\( Age \) — Patient's age in years
\( Weight \) — Patient's weight in kilograms
\( Gender Adjustment \) — 0 for males, -153 for females

Explanation: This equation predicts the expected distance a healthy individual should be able to walk in six minutes based on their anthropometric characteristics.

3. Importance of 6MWT

Details: The 6MWT is widely used to assess functional capacity in patients with various conditions including heart failure, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, and other chronic diseases. It provides valuable information about exercise tolerance and treatment response.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter height in centimeters, age in years, weight in kilograms, and select gender. All values must be valid (height > 0, age between 1-120, weight > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal 6MWT distance?
A: Normal values vary by age, gender, and height. Generally, healthy adults walk 400-700 meters in six minutes. The predicted value provides an individualized reference.

Q2: How is the test performed?
A: Patients walk back and forth along a measured 30-meter corridor for six minutes. Standardized instructions and encouragement are provided.

Q3: What factors affect 6MWT performance?
A: Motivation, learning effect, comorbidities, musculoskeletal limitations, and cardiorespiratory fitness all influence test results.

Q4: When is 6MWT contraindicated?
A: Absolute contraindications include unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, and resting heart rate >120 bpm. Relative contraindications include orthopedic limitations.

Q5: How should results be interpreted?
A: Results should be compared to predicted values and previous tests. A decrease of >50 meters is considered clinically significant in many conditions.