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Six-Minute Walk Test


Why is this procedure done?


The six-minute walk test measures how far you can walk in 6 minutes. This is done to: ‚  
  • See how your body reacts to exercise
  • Check to see if you can do your daily activities
  • Check if a treatment helps improve the amount of exercise you can do
  • Assess people with chronic lung problems, heart failure and blood vessel diseases, and arthritis that affect walking
  • Look at your ability to exercise after lung or heart surgery or transplant

What will the results be?


This test will give your doctor information about how much exercise your body can take. It will also tell your doctor if your treatments are working. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
  • Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
    • Lab tests
    • X-ray
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
    • Tests to measure how well your lungs are working
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  • Bring your oxygen and drugs with you to the test.
  • Do not exercise for 2 hours before the test.
  • Eat a light breakfast or lunch before the test. Take your usual drugs with your breakfast or lunch.
  • A practice test may be done before the real test.

What happens during the procedure?


  • This test is done in a hallway that is 100 feet or about 30.5 meters long. There will be marks for the starting point, each 10 feet or 3 meters, and at the place where you turn around to walk back. You will rest in a chair near the starting point for 10 minutes before the test. You will be asked to rate your breathlessness.
  • Walking aids or oxygen can be used during the test, but you will need to push this equipment yourself.
  • A timer is set to 6 minutes and you need to walk as far as possible during this time. You may slow down, rest, or stop, but you need to keep standing. You may lean against the wall if needed. At the turning point, turn slowly so you dont get dizzy.
  • During the test, you will be told how much time you have left every minute. You need to stop when told to do so. The spot where you stopped will be marked.
  • The total distance you walked and the amount of breathlessness you had while walking is recorded. Also, let the staff know if you have any signs during the test or don't feel good.
  • The test may be stopped if you have any chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, or leg cramps or pain while walking.
  • The test takes about 15 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?


  • While you rest after the test, your breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen in your blood will be checked.
  • You may go home after the procedure.

What care is needed at home?


Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Your doctor will tell you if you need other tests.
  • If a follow-up 6 minute walking test needs to be done, it will be scheduled at the same time of day so results can be compared.

What problems could happen?


  • Breathing problems
  • Asthma attack
  • Heart attack
  • Not able to finish the test

Helpful tips


Bring a water bottle with you. You may need a sip after the test. ‚  

Where can I learn more?


American College of Rheumatology ‚  
http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/clinicianresearchers/outcomes-instrumentation/6MWT.asp ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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