Six Minute Walking Test Calculator

Enright Equation:

\[ Predicted Distance = (7.57 \times Height_{cm}) - (5.02 \times Age) - (1.76 \times Weight_{kg}) + (216 \text{ if male}) \]

Measured Distance:

meters

Height:

Age:

years

Weight:

Gender:

Predicted Distance:

Percentage of Predicted:

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1. What is the Six Minute Walking Test?

The Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT) is a simple and practical exercise test that measures the distance a person can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in six minutes. It assesses functional exercise capacity and is commonly used in pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Enright equation:

\[ Predicted Distance = (7.57 \times Height_{cm}) - (5.02 \times Age) - (1.76 \times Weight_{kg}) + (216 \text{ if male}) \]

Where:

\( Height_{cm} \) — Height in centimeters
\( Age \) — Age in years
\( Weight_{kg} \) — Weight in kilograms
\( 216 \) — Additional distance factor for males

Explanation: The equation predicts the expected walking distance based on demographic and anthropometric factors, allowing comparison with actual measured performance.

3. Importance of Six Minute Walking Test

Details: The 6MWT provides valuable information about functional capacity, response to treatment, and prognosis in various chronic conditions including COPD, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the measured walking distance in meters, height in centimeters, age in years, weight in kilograms, and select gender. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal six minute walking distance?
A: Normal values vary by age, gender, height, and weight. Generally, distances below 80% of predicted may indicate impaired functional capacity.

Q2: How should the test be administered?
A: The test should be conducted on a flat, straight 30-meter corridor with standardized encouragement and safety precautions.

Q3: What factors can affect test results?
A: Motivation, learning effect, comorbidities, medications, oxygen use, and recent food intake can all influence walking distance.

Q4: When is the test contraindicated?
A: Absolute contraindications include unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, and resting heart rate >120 bpm. Relative contraindications include orthopedic limitations.

Q5: What is clinically significant change?
A: A change of 30-50 meters is generally considered clinically significant in most patient populations.