6 minute walk test procedure steps

Men: Typically walk between 500 – 700 meters in 6 minutes.
Women: Typically walk between 400 – 600 meters in 6 minutes.

The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple exercise test that measures the distance an individual can quickly walk on a flat, hard surface in a period of six minutes.

6 minute walk test used to assess functional exercise capacity in people with conditions like COPD, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

The test should be conducted on a flat, indoor hallway, ideally 30 meters (98 feet) in length. The distance should be measured precisely.

Here’s a 6 minute walk test procedure steps.

Instruct the patient to walk back and forth along the marked hallway as far as they can in six minutes.
They should aim to walk at a steady pace and can slow down or stop if they feel tired or breathless.
Inform them that you will provide feedback on the time remaining at one-minute intervals.
Start the timer when the patient begins walking.Stand by to observe the patient’s pace, symptoms, and form.
At each minute, inform the patient how much time is left (e.g., “Five minutes to go”).
Test Stopping Criteria ( stop the test if patient feel following)
- Chest pain
- Severe shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Leg cramps or pain
Stop the timer when the six minutes are up, and instruct the patient to stop walking.
Note the total distance walked by calculating the laps and the remainder distance at the stopping point.
Record heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
Document the total distance walked, any symptoms experienced, and post-test vital signs.

6 minute walk test result interpretation

Compare the distance walked to normative values based on age, sex, and clinical status if available.
Reduced walking distance may indicate reduced functional capacity and may help in monitoring disease progression, response to therapy, or rehabilitation outcomes.