6 Minute Walk Test Calculator

An online 6 minute walk test calculator that allows you to calculate the six minute walk distance for the patient who prescribed (6mwt). In other words, this calculator for a 6 minute walk test (SWMT) is quite useful for knowing the fitness of the patient.

Well, give a read to this post to know 6-minute walk test formula for male and female, and all you need to know about 6 minute walk test (6MWT).

What is the 6 minute walk test?

The 6 minute walk test (6MWT) is the test that measures a functional status or fitness. A six minute walk test was developed by the ‘American Thoracic Society’; this test was officially introduced in 2002 along with comprehensive guideline. A 6 min walk test is utilized as a simple measure of aerobic exercise capacity. After this test, your health care provider may or may not lead to doing more balanced measures of your heart and lung function. And, this 6 minutes walk test is great to monitor your response to treatments for lung, heart, and various health problems. Typically, this test utilized for individuals who are suffering from pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, pre-lung transplant evaluation or COPD. Additionally, you can utilize our most accurate 6-minute walk test calculator and know how much distance you have to cover within 6 minutes with concerning your age, gender, height, weight, and distance walked!

Formula for 6 Minute Walk Distance Test:

6-minute walk distance for male patients:

6MWD in meters = (7.57 × height in cm) – (5.02 × age) – (1.76 × weight in kg) – 309

To find Lower limit of normal in male patients:

Lower limit of normal = 6MWD – 153

6-minute walk distance for female patients:

6MWD in meters = (2.11 × height in cm) – (2.29 × weight in kg) – (5.78 × age) + 667

To find Lower limit of normal in female patients:

Lower limit of normal = 6MWD – 139

6 minute walk test interpretation:

An increase in the distance walked referred to as the basic improvement in mobility. Resnik et al recommended in Amputee rehabilitation, post training a difference of maximum 45 minutes must be taken into account for the six minutes walk test (6MWT) to ensure the “real change” in the patient’s condition.

Only in few neuromuscular conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and Myasthenia Gravis, here the 6-minute walk test has been implemented for the assessment of those patients and even considered regularly to capture any changes that provides really valuable information corresponding to the natural history of these disorders.

Some optimistic studies account the 6MWT to identify patients with neuromuscular junction dysfunction. By dividing the 6 minute walk test into 6 different components where each minute consists of different data point, the researchers revealed that the 6MWT can identify and malfunctions in the neuromuscular junctions. Also, by simply comparing the distance covered in the first & the last minutes revealed that how much the fatigue has influenced the individual.

Conditions Where 6MWT Can Be Used

Here are the conditions where the 6-minute walk test can be utilized are given below:

• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Geriatrics
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Stroke
• Muscle disorders
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Before starting 6MWT, you ought to read about the 6 minute walk test norms properly! Additionally, if you are prone to anyone of the above conditions, then enter the values in the designated field of the above 6 minute walk test calculator and discuss your result with your medical expert.

About 6mwt calculator:

An online six minute walk test calculator that is quite useful for assessing the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for the patient who prescribed (6mwt). The 6MWT is the test that helps Health care experts to assess disability in patients with chronic bronchitis. Simply, this 6mwt predicted distance calculator will calculates the predicted distance in meters and percent.

How to Use 6 minute walk test calculator?

This calculator for six-minute walk test is packed with user-friendly interface through which one can easily determine his/her fitness criteria corresponding to 6 minute walk distance. All you need to stick to the given steps to assessing this test with this calculator:

Inputs:

• First of all, you ought to enter patient’s age in years into the designated field
• Very next, you ought to select the patient’s gender from the drop-down menu
• Now, simply enter the patients height into the designated box
• Then, add the patient’s weight into the given field
• Finally, you have to enter the total distance that covered by the patient

Output:

Once you entered all the parameters for 6MWT, simply hit the calculate button, this 6mwt predicted distance calculator will generate:

• Expected six minute walk distance for the healthy patient
• Percentage(%) of expected 6 minute walk distance for the healthy patient
• The lower limit of normal

 

6MWT Equipment

The equipment needed to conduct the 6 minute walk distance is mentioned below:

• There is a need for a single chair, positioned it at one end of the walking course
• You have to bring validated scale to measure dyspnoea like “Modified breathlessness scale” and subjective fatigue
• Get Sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure
• Pulse oximeter
• Stopwatch
• There is a need for pre-measured marks along the track
• Access to oxygen and telephone “for an instant emergency.”
• First aid or an emergency plan
• There is a need for portable supplement oxygen if required by the patient to perform an exercise test
• Get a clipboard with reporting sheet and pen

Before the 6MWT:

• Before 6 minutes walk test, you have to obtain a medical history for the tester, and there is a need to take into account any precautions or contraindications to exercise testing
• You have to instruct your tester to wear a dress that keeps comfortable and wear proper footwear. Additionally, the tester ought to avoid consuming any food at least an hour before performing the 6MWT
• If there is any prescribed inhaled bronchodilator medication for the tester, then it should have taken within an hour of testing or when the patient available for testing
• Before six minute walk test, the tester should have to rest for maximum 15 minutes
• Record include Blood pressure, Heart rate, Oxygen saturation, and Dyspnoea score

6 Minute Walk Test Instruction

Before stick, to the given instruction, you have to make a 6 minute walk test form on a laminated card and read them thoroughly to get efficient results.

Before the Test:

• There is a need to attach the oximeter to the tester;it is a great way to check through the test without interfering with a walking pace
• You have to describe the walking track to the tester and then give the tester the following instruction
• The basic aim of the 6 min walk test to keep walking as far as possible for 6 minutes. Additionally, the tester will walk along this hallway between the markers, as many times as tester can in 6 minutes
• Keep in mind that, each minute goes past, and then at six minutes, you have to stop where you are
• No doubt 6 minutes is a long time to walk, a tester is permitted to slow down, to stop, and even to rest as necessary, but the tester resume walking as soon as possible
• The tester should have to walk as far as possible for 6 minutes, but don’t try to run or jog

• During the Test:

  You have to use the following standard and encouragements to get 6 minute walk test normal values:

• After the 1st min – You are doing well, and it means you just have 5 minutes to go
• When your stopwatch shows 2 min– there is a need to keep up the good work, and it means you have li minutes to go
• When your stopwatch shows 3 min – You are doing well, and it means you are on halfway
• When your stopwatch shows 4 min – Keep up the good work, and it means you have only 2 minutes left
• When your stopwatch shows 5 min – You are doing well, and it means you have only 1 minute to go
• When your stopwatch shows 6 min – Stop instantly where you areKeep in mind, if the patient stops during the six minute walk test, every 30’s once SpO2 is greater than 85 percent “then there is a need to resume walking whenever you feel able.”
  

  At the End of the 6MWT:

• You have to place a marker on the distance walked
• Then, let seat the tester and if tester prefers, then allow him to stand
• Once done, then immediately record oxygen saturation (SpO2)%, heart rate and dyspnoea rating on the 6MWT recording sheet
• There is a need to understand the reason for test termination/limitation as it helps the tester to know whey they could not walk any further
• There is a need to measure the excess distance using a tape measure and should tally up the total distance
• The tester needs to stay at clinical area maximum for 15 minutes to perform some uncomplicated test

What is a normal 6-minute walk distance (6MWD)?

The six minute walk test distance (6MWTD) is considerably correlated with age (r = -0.29), height (r = 0.393), weight (r = 0.08), and BMI (r = -0.17). However, remember that the values are differ from age to age as from 40-85 the average distance is 400-700m/3600sec. Generally, individuals who are suffering from injuries have reduced 6MWD.

No doubt, 6 minute walk test norms change significantly with people of different countries, height, age, gender, and body weight.

Well, there are three case studies and tests between people of different countries and age:

Case Study 1:

In UK or United Kingdom, only 33 makes performed 6MWT with aged 55 to 75 under the standard protocol. Other measurements include parameters like weight, leg length; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and exhaled carbon monoxide and physical activities such as regular walking.

Results:

The average 6 minute walk distance was 659±62 m (range 484–820 m). Males walked only 59±13 m further than females (P<0.001). And, weight (r=0.25, P<0.05), height (r=0.54, P<0.01), and FEV1 (r=0.48, P<0.001) were significantly correlated with 6MWD.

Ahead stepwise different other lapses showed height (R2=0.294) and FEV1 (R2 change=0.045) said to be independent predictors of 6 minute walk distance (P<0.05), enlightening 33.9% of the change.

Case Study 2:

In Switzerland, adolescents and children aging from 5 to 17 years performed 6 minute walk test. Right after a short examination of their health and physical activity parameters, the test was performed.

Results:

Once the 6-minute walk test between different models: height, age, and heart rate predicted the distance walked, the age was the most influenced element, which predicted that younger children had more walking distance.

Case Study 3:

From India 125 subjects suffering from chronic heart diseases with Anthropometric variables height, age, leg length, body mass and performed in a 30 meter corridor.

Results:

The 6 minute walk test distance (6MWTD) significantly correlated with age (r = -0.29), height (r = 0.393), weight (r = 0.08), and BMI (r = -0.17).

6MWD significantly correlated with age (r = -0.29), height (r = 0.393), weight (r = 0.08), and BMI (r = -0.17).

Well, the gender equations for Indian individuals were:

For Males:

561.022 – (2.507 × age [years]) + (1.505 × weight [kg]) – (0.055 × height [cm]). R2 = 0.288.

For Females:

30.325 – (0.809 × age [years]) – (2.074 × weight [kg]) + (4.235 × height [cm]). R2 = 0.272

Well, the equations have a large error estimate along with a low determination coefficient; also, it concludes the walking capacity of Indian individuals.

Predicted Normal Values for the 6MWT:

The following predictive equations for the 6MWT:

• Predictive equation for males: 6MWD(m) = 867 – (5.71 age, yrs) + (1.03 height, cm)
• Predictive equation for females: 6MWD(m) = 525 – (2.86 age, yrs) + (2.71 height, cm) – (6.22 BMI)

What does a 6-minute walk test measure?

Typically, the 6MWT is used to identify the walking capacity of people when they’re suffering from respiratory diseases like coronary heart diseases, asthma and when they having problems in their knees and hip bones to administer a person’s perception of oxygen & dyspnea saturation in blood during exertion.

Remember that 6 minute walk test norms from healthy individuals are compared with those who are suffering from certain diseases. The 6MWT norms vary significantly from gender, age, leg length, height and different other parameters.

What Happened If the Patient Stops During the 6 Minutes Walk?

If the patient stops during the 6 minutes, simply:

• Allow the patient to sit on a chair if they agree
• Start measuring the SpO2 and heart rate of the patient
• Ask the reason why they stopped (reason)
• Must note the time when the patient stopped (but, keep your stopwatch running on)
• Once SpO2%>/= 85%, you have to give the following encouragement (repeat this encouragement every 15 seconds if required). Stick to walking as soon as you feel they’re able
• You should monitor the patient for untoward signs and symptoms

Stop the 6MWT In These Events:

• Evolving light-headedness
• Evolving mental confusion or lack of coordination
• Intolerable dyspnoea and oxygen
• Chest pain suspicious for angina
• Leg cramps or extreme leg muscle fatigue
• Persistent SpO2 < 80%. (when it comes to community setting, the 6 minute walk test may be stopped if SpO2 < 85%)
• Any other clinically warranted reason

FAQ’s (Six Minute Walk Test: 6MWT):

How do you score the 6 Minute Walk Test?

The score of the 6MWT is said to be the distance a patient walks in 6 minutes. Even, there is no such an assumption, the patient take as many standing rests as they want, but here the timer should keep running and just notice/record the number of rests that taken and the total rest time. Also, the 6 Minute Walk Test Calculator by calculator-online allow you to calculate the 6 minute walk distance for the patient who prescribed this test.

How do you measure 6 minute walk?

All you need to describe the walking track to the patient and then give the patient the above-mentioned instruction for 6-minute walk distance test (6MWDT).

How do you calculate VO2max from 6 minute walk?

Multiple regression analysis is something that depicted the given equation for VO2max prediction:

VO2max prediction equation: VO2max (mL/kg/min) = 12.701 + (0.06 × 6 minute walk distance in meters) – (0.732 × body mass indexkg/m2) (R2 = 0.79, [SEE] or standard error of the estimate = 2.91 mL/kg/min, %SEE = 6.9%).

How far can a person walk in 6 minutes?

Recently, the ATS (American Thoracic Society) developed guidelines for the 6 minute walk test in clinical settings. In healthy subjects, the 6 minute walk distance ranges indicated from 400 to 700 meter, and the main predictor variables being age, gender, and height.

What is a six minute walk test for COPD?

The 6-minute walk test assists to measures the distance that someone can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes. The 6MWT simply reflects the person’s ability to perform daily physical activities. Remember that COPD affects everyone differently; lung functions and even exercise tolerance testing helps MEDICAL Experts and patients work together to create the best treatment plan.

How many feet is a 6 minute walk test?

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines for the (6MWT) suggest using of 30m or 100 foot walkway along with the length of the corridor marked every 3m. ATS 2002 studies revealed that turnaround points are to be marked by a cone.

What is the CPT code for 6 minute walk?

94618: The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 94618 Pulmonary stress testing (for instance, 6-minute walk test) that including measurement of heart, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed defines the general simple pulmonary stress test.

Why is a 6 minute walk test done?

The 6-minute walk distance is provided with a measure of the integrated global response of multiple cardiopulmonary and musculoskeletal systems, which involved in the exercise. The six minute walk test provides you with the information corresponding to the functional capacity, response to therapy and prognosis across a wide range of chronic cardiopulmonary conditions.

Is walking good for COPD?

Optimistic studies depicted that walking is a safe and significant form of exercise for nearly every person, including individuals who living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Also, a regular walking routine can make it easier for individual with COPD to be more self-sufficient & even better able to tolerate exercise.

Endnote:

Typically, the clinician does not walk with the tester during the 6 minutes walk test to avoid setting the walking pace. So, it is immensely important to worn pulse oximeter continuously as with the ease of these levels to be recorded at every minute.

Sometime, the clinician may choose to walk with the tester throughout the 6MWT; in this case, the clinician should try to walk slightly behind the tester.

Disclaimer:

The results that you will get with this 6 minute walk test calculator is just an indication, even the authors make no claims on the accuracy of the obtained results, so before a move to the final step, you ought to consult with your health care providers!

References:

From the legitimate source of lunginstitute – by mpatino (COPD MEDICAL Conditions) : 6 Minute Walk Test for COPD (Who Needs a 6-Minute Walk Test)

From the source of pubmed ncbi: Six-Minute Walk Test Clinical Role, Technique, Coding, and Reimbursement

The source of American Lung Association – Lung Procedures, Tests & Treatments: Six-Minute Walk Test What to Expect When Doing the 6MWT

From the source of rcjournal – by Paul L Enright MD – Improving the 6-Minute Walk Distance and Factors That Influence 6-Minute Walk Distance