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1999; Pankoff e.a., 2000a, b; Foley e.a., 2003; Lelieveld e.a. in print; Takken e.a., 2003; Minor and Kay, 1997),
but the test then becomes more of a functional exertion test than a maximal exertion test.
The reliability of the 6MWT makes it a widely applicable tool for establishing the functional exertion capacity of
a patient. A guideline has even been drawn up for this test by the American Thoracic Society (ATS, 2002).
The test can be carried out in the physiotherapy sector safely, easily and in a properly standardised manner. A
guideline exists for the implementation of the test as well as the encouragement provided during the test.
The results of the 6MWT can be used for both evaluation and training advice and provide a good picture of the
amount of ADL activities carried out by patients. Based on the results, it is possible to effectively estimate the
correct training intensity for endurance training. This intensity (expressed as the walking speed or heart rate) is
a useable training intensity to be maintained during training sessions. Carrying out the test frequently (every 4
to 6 weeks) allows you to ensure tha
t a patient’s training intensity is tailored to his or her capacity. The training
incentive becomes more geared towards to th
e patient’s exertion tolerance as a result.
Performing the 6MWT
The patient must walk for six minutes at a speed which he or she has chosen (on the EN-MOTION, this takes
place with automatic speed adjustment), trying to cover as great a distance as possible without running.
During the test, a heart-rate meter and pulse oximeter can be used to establish the physiological response
during the test. The distance achieved is the total distance covered, measured at the end of the six minutes.
After six minutes, the results will appear in the results screen.
The result partly depends on the motivation of the person taking the test; the encouragement must therefore be
standardised, so that it is the same for each patient and each measurement (ATS, 2002; Guyatt e.a., 1984).
Standard values exist for the 6MWT for healthy adults aged between 40 and 85. Using these standard values,
the outcome of the 6MWT c
an be interpreted by expressing the patient’s result as a percentage based on their
age, gender, height and weight. A score below 82% of the predicted result is regarded as deviant (Wasserman
e.a., 1999).
Sample calculation
In the case of a 55-year old female (height 168 cm, weight 75 kg) walking 420 metres in 6 minutes, we can use
these details to calculate a standard value. This gives us a result of 654 metres. She therefore scores 64% of
the predicted result.
Performing the 6MWT on the EN-Motion treadmill
The test can be carried out with or without a
heart-rate meter (see below).
Select the
Exertion tests
function using the
central controller
and press
OK
.
Now enter your personal details before
selecting from the list of available exertion
tests.
These details are used to calculate and
present the personal test results.
Select the
gender
(m/f) using the
central
controller
and press
OK
.
Enter the
age
using the
central controller
and press
OK
.
Enter the
height
(cm) using the
central
controller
and press
OK
.
Enter the
weight
(kg) using the
central
controller
and press
OK
.
All the personal details have now been
entered.
