What is this test?
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) assesses functional exercise capacity by measuring the distance a person can walk on a flat surface over six minutes while monitoring oxygen saturation, heart rate and symptoms.
Why is it done?
The 6MWT is used to: assess exercise capacity in chronic lung disease, monitor disease progression and treatment response in ILD, COPD and other conditions, evaluate patients before and after pulmonary rehabilitation, and assess severity of disease.
Who may benefit?
- Patients with chronic respiratory disease
- ILD / pulmonary fibrosis
- COPD
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation assessment
How is it performed?
You walk along a marked flat corridor at your own pace for 6 minutes. You can slow down or stop if needed. Oxygen saturation and heart rate are monitored. The distance walked is recorded.
Patient Preparation
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Continue usual medications. Rest for at least 10 minutes before the test. Do not eat heavily immediately before.
What information does it provide?
The test provides the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), oxygen desaturation during walking, and symptom information. A fall in oxygen saturation during walking is clinically significant.
