6-Minute Walk Test
Draft — clinical review requiredDistance walked in six minutes — a measure of walking endurance and submaximal capacity.
Version shown: ATS 2002: 30 m corridor.
Distance recording
0.0 m
Before / after comparison
Change: 0.00
Compare the change with measurement error and meaningful-change values for the same population and protocol, citing the source. Same protocol, aid and conditions on both occasions.Go deeper
Open each part when you are ready.
What it measures
- Distance (m) walked in 6 minutes.
Populations and purposes
- Cardiopulmonary, neurological, older-adult and other populations.
Equipment and space
- Flat corridor with turnaround markers; timer; chair; safety equipment as required by the protocol.
Administration overview
- Version shown: ATS 2002 guideline — a 30 m corridor with turnaround cones; standardized encouragement.
- Rests are allowed; the timer keeps running.
- Use the full validated protocol (linked below) when testing patients.
Scoring and units
- Total distance (m); record rests and aids.
Meaning of a higher or lower score
- Greater distance usually reflects better walking endurance.
Interpretation example
- Laps and the final partial lap are recorded to give total distance; compare with the same protocol and corridor.
Limitations
- Corridor length and encouragement affect results.
- Monitoring requirements apply.
- Norms, fall-risk thresholds, MDC and MCID differ by population and protocol; they are not universal. Measurement error is not the same as clinically meaningful change.
Apply it
If the person stops to rest during the 6MWT, the timer…
Sources and review status
Draft — clinical review required
Starting points for verification. Validated protocols are linked where available; clinical content has not yet been reviewed.
Learning objectives
- Explain what the 6-Minute Walk Test measures and for whom.
- Describe the set-up and administration overview.
- Interpret a result with its units, population and limitations.