21 March 2019 What is a 6-minute walk test? The 6-minute walk test is one of the tests used to obtain an objective assessment of functional physical fitness , and is one of the simplest of these tests. The 6-minute walk test determines the maximum distance a person can cover in six minutes on a flat, hard surface. The person should walk quickly , but without running or jumping. The 6-minute walk test assesses the integrated overall response of all systems in the body to the performance of the proposed activity, including the following: Respiratory system; Cardiovascular system; Systemic and peripheral circulation; Blood; Neuromuscular units; Muscle metabolism. Given that people usually select their own pace when they carry out this test, the results do not reflect their maximum functional capacity. However, as most daily activities are not carried out using the maximum functional capacity, the 6-minute walk test is a good indicator of the functional level available to meet the needs of the patient’s normal daily activities. Before and after the test, factors that tend to express respiratory distress and fatigue are measured and compared using the appropriate instruments and scales. The factors assessed are: Oxygen levels; Heart rate; Blood pressure. What does a 6-minute walk test consist of? During the test, the person will cover the determined course as many times as they can. The technician supervising the test will provide details such as how much time is left and other useful information. Before starting the test, the participant can ask the technician to explain any issues that may occur to them. If necessary, during the test the participant can: Slow their pace, stop and rest; Lean against something to rest, as long as they remain in a standing position. The clock will not be stopped if the participant stops to rest, and so the test should be started again as soon as possible. In what situations is a 6-minute walk test carried out? It is always for the doctor to decide whether there is a need for a particular test, depending on the individual characteristics of each person and their complaints or illness. The 6-minute walk test is often used : In the pre-and post-operative assessment of patients undergoing a lung transplant or surgery that will entail a reduction in lung volume; When monitoring the response to established therapies; In pulmonary rehabilitation; To estimate morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary disorders. One of the most common reasons for conducting a 6-minute walk test is to assess the response to a medical intervention in patients are suffering from: Structural lung disorders (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung interstitial diseases, among others); Moderate to severe heart disease. In such cases, the test will be performed twice - once before and once after the intervention under consideration. This test may also be used to: Determine functional capacity; Obtain information on the patient’s ability to carry out daily routine activities; Assess the integrated response of body systems involved in physical activity. How long does it take? A 6-minute walk test takes about 20 minutes. What are the limitations of the 6-minute walk test? As with any other test, the 6-minute walk test may not lead to a diagnosis even when it is properly carried out. Furthermore, this test assesses overall functional capacity, but does not provide specific information on the individual systems involved in the exercise, nor does it assess the individual's effort. Are there any side effects, risks or complications associated with taking a 6-minute walk test? Although the 6-minute walk test is a useful and practical way of determining functional capacity for many people, it should not be carried out at home or without adequate professional supervision. In addition, 6-minute walk tests should not be used for people who: Have had unstable angina during the month preceding the test; Have had a myocardial infarction in the month preceding the test; Have a resting heart rate of more than 120 beats per minute; Have systolic blood pressure higher than 188 mmHg; Have diastolic blood pressure higher than 100 mmHg. The technician performing the 6-minute walk test can stop the test if the person shows any sign of: Chest pain; Intolerable dyspnoea (difficulty breathing); Excessive sweating; Leg cramps; Sudden changes in the walking rhythm; Pale or grey-coloured skin. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, you can find pulmonologists who specialise in the various respiratory diseases and who can carry out the examinations you require. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
