6 Minute Walk Test

6 minute walk test

6 minute walk test is a simple test to estimate the functional capacity in patients who cannot perform a conventional exercise test like treadmill test, mostly for older patients, those with heart failure, claudication or orthopedic problems. Subject is asked to walk along a hundred feet corridor at their own pace so as to cover the maximum possible distance in six minutes. Total distance covered is found out and symptoms if any recorded. 6 minute walk test is taken as a standard in many trials for heart failure and other conditions which limit exercise capacity.