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

E. Beekman*, I. Mesters, R. Gosselink, M.P.M. Klaassen, E.J.M. Hendriks, O.C.P. van Schayck, R.A. de Bie

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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 4090 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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)867-868
Number of pages2
JournalThorax
Volume69
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2014

Keywords

  • LENGTH
  • ADULTS

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