The first reference equations for the 6-minute walk distance over a 10 m course.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE As primary care practice space is mostly limited to 10 m, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) over a 10 m course is a frequently used alternative to evaluate patients' performance in COPD. Considering that course length significantly affects distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWD), this study aims to develop appropriate reference equations for the 10 m 6MWT. METHODS: 181 healthy subjects, aged 40-90 years, performed two standardised 6MWTs over a straight 10 m course in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Average distance achieved was 578±108 m and differed between males and females (p<0.001). Resulting sex-specific reference equations from multiple regression analysis included age, body mass index and change in heart rate, explaining 62% of the variance in 6MWD for males and 71% for females. CONCLUSIONS: The presented reference equations are the first to evaluate 6MWD over a 10 m course and expand the usefulness of the 6MWT.