6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT): Measuring Functional Capacity
The 6-Minute Walk Test measures the distance a patient walks in six minutes to assess exercise capacity. It helps clinicians monitor heart and lung health by checking functional endurance.
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) measures functional capacity by tracking the distance a patient walks on a flat surface in six minutes. It’s a practical way to assess exercise tolerance in heart and lung conditions, helping clinicians monitor therapy progress without complex equipment.
Category
Disease
Source
What is 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a widely used method to check functional exercise capacity. It simply measures how far a patient can walk in six minutes. This sub-maximal assessment is usually done indoors on a flat, hard surface, often a 30-metre corridor. It mirrors the physical effort needed for daily activities, making it practical for most people. The primary result is the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Clinicians also track oxygen saturation and heart rate with a pulse oximeter, alongside perceived exertion using the Borg scale. It gives a clear snapshot of pulmonary and cardiac health without needing expensive equipment. Commonly used for COPD and heart failure, it helps track progress during rehabilitation. The test is self-paced, so patients can stop for a rest if they feel tired. This safety feature makes it great for older adults, helping doctors see if a treatment plan is truly working.
The 6-Minute Walk Test can be scored using two main approaches: absolute distance and percent predicted values. 1. Absolute Distance: You simply measure the total distance a patient walks in six minutes, recorded in metres. It gives a clear snapshot of functional exercise capacity, where walking further means better endurance. 2. Percent Predicted: Here, the actual distance is compared to reference equations based on age, gender, height, and weight. This calculation helps clinicians see how a patient stacks up against healthy norms. It helps track changes or check response to treatments.
Advantages
.svg){kind=icon}
Measures healthcare intervention results systematically.
.svg){kind=icon}
Applicable across multiple diseases and conditions.
.svg){kind=icon}
Simple to understand and complete for patients.
.svg){kind=icon}
Streamlines research data gathering process.
.png){kind=icon}
Related Instruments
Assesses physical function of the foot and ankle.
Assesses the overall impact and severity of fibromyalgia.
Assesses key dimensions of female sexual function.
Collect 6-Minute Walk Test data with WeGuide, the all in one patient engagement platform
Support Your patient in no time - all under your own brand
Our platform combines the knowledge of 100+ digital health solutions built, letting you easily build your patient engagement app for research or clinical use. Collect PROMs, support patients on waiting lists, or gather vital signs data. This is how:
Learn More.png){kind=icon}
Program Builder
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Whitelabelling
.svg)
.svg)
.png){kind=icon}
Turn on components, dependent on your usecase
.svg)
.png){kind=icon}
Support The Full Journey
.png)
.png)
%20(1).png)
.png)
It’s your turn
Every WeGuide project, saves researchers and clinicians - 9 months and $450,000 - creating impactful digital health solutions.
