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Tinius, RA, Blankenship, M, Maples, JM, Pitts, BC, Furgal, K, Norris, ES, Hoover, DL, Olenick, A, Lambert, J, and Cade, WT. Validity of the 6-minute walk test and Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) submaximal cycle test during midpregnancy. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3236-3242, 2021-Submaximal exercise testing can be a feasible alternative to maximal testing within special populations to safely predict fitness levels; however, submaximal exercise testing has not been well-validated for use during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the concurrent validity of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the YMCA submaximal cycle test (YMCAT) to predict V̇o2max in physically active women during midpregnancy. Thirty-seven (n = 37) pregnant women (22.1 ± 1.4 weeks' gestation) and 10 (n = 10) nonpregnant women participated in the study. Subjects completed a graded maximal treadmill test at 1 visit to measure maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max), and then subjects completed the 6MWT and YMCAT in randomized order during a separate visit. The predicted V̇o2max from each submaximal test were compared with the measured V̇o2max from the treadmill test to assess the validity of these tests during pregnancy. Among pregnant women, predicted V̇o2max from the YMCAT was not correlated to the measured V̇o2max (r = 0.14, p = 0.42), and the predicted V̇o2max from the 6MWT was only moderately correlated (r = 0.40, p = 0.016) to the measured V̇o2max. Among nonpregnant women, the predicted V̇o2max values from both the YMCAT and the 6MWT had strong correlations with the measured V̇o2max values (YMCAT: r = 0.71, p = 0.02; 6MWT: r = 0.80, p = 0.006). Neither test demonstrated concurrent validity among the pregnant sample. The main finding is that the YMCAT is not a valid method to estimate V̇o2max during midpregnancy (likely due to physiological changes in heart rate [HR] during pregnancy). The 6MWT has potential to be used clinically for estimating fitness as actual and predicted values did positively correlate, and it is not dependent on HR responses to exercise. However, if a precise measure of fitness is needed, then neither test appears to have strong validity for use during midpregnancy.

To (1) describe six-minute walk test (6MWT) reference values for children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and (2) explore predictors of 6MWT distance. A secondary objective was to determine how 6MWT distances of children with JIA compare to those of children without JIA reported in the literature.Demographic, clinical, height, weight and 6MWT data were extracted from clinical records of 120 children with JIA (70.8% female,Height, weight, and age were predictive of 6MWT distance (RThe reference values and associated predictive model have application for assessing exercise capacity in children with JIA.

A simple objective test is required to identify people with impaired physical aspects of health-related quality of life (QOL) due to intermittent claudication. This study assessed the relationship of QOL, function and physical activity to the need to stop during a six-minute walking test (6MWT) amongst people with intermittent claudication.This was a prospective case-control study conducted at two centers in Australia. 173 participants with a history of intermittent claudication and peripheral artery disease diagnosed by ankle brachial pressure index0.9, completed two 6MWTs one week apart. QOL was assessed with the short form (SF)-36. Physical activity was assessed by an accelerometer to record step count, stepping time and energy expenditure over 7 days. Physical performance was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test. The associations of the need to stop at least once during the 6MWT with QOL, function and activity were assessed using Mann Whitney U test and analysis of covariates.Participants that had to stop at least once during the two 6MWTs (46; 26.6%) had significantly lower scores for three of the domains (physical functioning, role-physical and bodily pain) and the physical component summary (PCS) measure of the SF-36 compared to those who did not need to stop (n = 127; 73.4%). After adjusting for the risk factor co-variates (diabetes, hypertension and ankle brachial pressure index) which were significantly unequally distributed, needing to stop during the 6MWTs was significantly associated with a lower PCS score (adjusted mean 36.5, standard error 0.8 vs. 30.5, standard error 1.3; F = 14.0; P0.001; partial eta squared 0.077). Participants that had to stop at least once during the two 6MWTs had significantly lower 7-day step count, time stepping and energy expenditure, but not total SPPB score, compared to those who did not need to stop.Needing to stop during a 6MWT identified participants with intermittent claudication with poorer QOL and less physical activity compared to those that do not need to stop.

Introduction: The 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) is a simple, practical, and less time consuming test. Patients do not get fatigued while performing this test as a part of routine physical examination. 2MWT shows an excellent correlation with other walk tests and can be used as an alternative test in patients with multiple co- morbidities. The reliability of a test is a must for its recommendation to be used in clinics as well as research. Measurement properties have been reported in different populations for 2MWT. However, no data exist for 2MWT in patients with Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA). Aim: To establish the test-retest reliability and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) scores for the 2MWT in patients with bilateral KOA. Materials and Methods: A prospective test-retest research study designed to assess the reliability of 2MWT. Eighty-two patients with KOA (27 males and 55 females) were included in the study. Health status was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and WOMAC were assessed on two consecutive days. Participants performed 2MWT on two different occasions with 48 hours difference in between. Both sessions were conducted for 45 minutes each on a 30 meter walking pathway. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: 2MWT showed an excellent test-retest reliability. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for 2MWT were 0.98. Test-retest reliability assessed by two trials of 2MWT showed 1st trial mean±SD of 154.33±19.59 m and 2nd trial mean±SD of 156.69±19.68 m. Mean difference±SD between both trials was 2.36±2.74, which was statistically significant (p

Aim: To summarize the six-minute walk test (6MWT) reference values for healthy individuals in Brazil. Objetivo: Será sumarizar os valores de referência de teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) para indivíduos saudáveis no Brasil. Adicionalmente, será o de fornecer um resumo das equações de predição de TC6 dos estudos selecionados e categorizar as equações de referência em relação às regiões geográficas brasileiras, sexo e idade.

Background: The aim of the study was to study the effect of aerobic training on cardiorespiratory fitness in physiotherapy students. This was an analytical type of study in which the participants were tested both pre and post the intervention to carry out the results accordingly. Context and Purpose of the study: Physiotherapist as trainers of fitness are themselves expected to have a good amount of fitness. There are many studies done on evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness in physiotherapy students. There is limited literature to check the effect of aerobic training using Chester Treadmill Walk Test specifically on cardiorespiratory fitness in physiotherapy students. 25 Participants were selected by Convenient Sampling who were Physiotherapy students. The participants included were between age group of 18-25 years who were not able to complete the Chester Treadmill Walk test for 12 minutes. After which those who were included were given a 8 weeks treadmill training intervention and post the testing was conclusion was carried out accordingly. Results: The student paired “t” test value of heartrate prior to intervention was 33.81 and post intervention was 8.34 and the student paired “t” test value for systolic blood pressure was 2.16 and diastolic blood pressure was 2.22. The student paired “t” test value of VO2max was 4.03. Based on the readings of the “t” test values mentioned above, proves that there is significant increase in VO2max post the aerobic training intervention Conclusion: The result shows that there is a significant increase in VO2max which was calculated using the formula for Chester Treadmill Walk Test after the aerobic training intervention was given for 8 weeks based on the ACSM’s Guidelines. KEY WORDS: Chester Treadmill Walk Test, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Treadmill training, Physiotherapy students.

Objective To determine the reliability, responsiveness, and convergent validity of the Four-Meter Walk Test (4mWT) compared to the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) surrounding total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Design Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Setting Research laboratory. Participants One hundred sixty-two patients (aged 63.5 ± 7.4 (mean ± sd) years; 89 females) undergoing TKA participated. Main outcome measures 4mWT (usual and fastest) and 6MWT were measured 1-2 weeks preoperatively, and 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Results 4mWT demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability with Interclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC's) ranging from 0.80 to 0.93 s. 4mWT also demonstrated small measurement error with Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) ranging from 0.15 to 0.35 s. 4mWT (fastest) demonstrated similar responsiveness to 6mWT in the first 2 months after surgery and better responsiveness from 2 to 3 months after surgery. Convergent validity between 6MWT and 4mWT (fastest) was high, with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.73 to 0.81. Conclusions The 4mWT (fastest) has excellent test-retest reliability, shows high responsiveness sufficient for clinical outcomes in the immediate postoperative time periods, and exhibits high convergent validity with 6MWT. Given space and time requirements to conduct each test, 4mWT may be preferred for routine clinical assessment. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Walking ability •Walking is an important functional ability for patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). •While the Six-Minute Walk Test is a validated measure of walking ability in the TKA population, its clinical utility is limited by the space and time it takes to perform the test. •The Four-Meter Walk Test (fastest speed) is a valid, reliable, and responsive alternative to the 6MWT and is recommended for routine clinical use after TKA.

Purpose The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is broadly used to evaluate the functional ability of patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD)-guided 6MWT performed at home by patients with HF versus in-clinic testing. Methods Patients (n = 197) with HF and a low ejection fraction prescribed a WCD were randomized to 2 groups. Group 1 completed an in-clinic clinician-guided 6MWT while wearing the WCD; results were recorded by the clinician. Group 2 completed a WCD-guided 6MWT, also performed in the clinic; results were recorded by the WCD accelerometer. Both groups performed weekly unsupervised WCD-guided 6MWTs at home, with results recorded by the WCD. Results The initial in-clinic 6MWT showed no significant group difference in distance walked (group 1 = 306 m; group 2 = 297 m). For patients in group 2 who completed at least one 6MWT at home, there was a 15-step decrease between the in-clinic WCD-guided 6MWT and the first at-home 6MWT, 558 and 543 median steps (P = .001), respectively. Among patients with at least 8 weekly home WCD-guided 6MWTs (n = 70), there was no significant difference in the number of steps walked during the 6MWT from week to week. Conclusions Results of the in-clinic 6MWT are similar between clinician-guided and WCD-guided patients across objective distances. Distances walked with a WCD-guided walk test were consistent whether conducted in the clinic or at home and were reliable over time.

BACKGROUND: Functional capacity assessment is important in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can be performed by the six-minute walk test (6MWT) on a 30-meter track. However, such space is not always available in clinical settings. OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance between the 6MWT on a 30- (6MWT(30)) and 20-meter (6MWT(20)) track; to evaluate the validity and reliability of the 6MWT(30) and the 6MWT(20); and to determine for which patients track length has the greatest impact on performance. METHODS: Patients with COPD randomly performed two 6MWT(30) and two 6MWT(20) on two different days and were also assessed using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale. RESULTS: Thirty patients (23 men; mean ± standard deviation FEV(1)%pred: 45.6 ± 12.1) participated in the study. They walked a greater distance on the 6MWT(30) than on the 6MWT(20) [mean difference: 22.1 m (95% CI: 12, 32 m)]. The longer the 6MWT(30) distance, the greater the difference between the 2 tests (r = 0.51; p = 0.004). The 6MWT(20) showed high reliability [ICC: 0.96 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.99)] and the results were associated with the distance walked on the 6MWT(30) (r = 0.86), CAT (r = −0.53), and mMRC (r = −0.62). Patients who walked ≥430 m in the 6MWT(30) presented a difference between the tests greater than those who walked

The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) assesses aerobic capacity and endurance and is recommended for use in the geriatric cardiopulmonary patient population.

Six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures walking distance (6MWD) and desaturation status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study aimed to examine whether change in 6MWD and desaturation in 1 year were risk factors for later mortality, lung function decline and number of exacerbations. A total of 295 COPD patients performed 6MWT at baseline and 1 year later in the Bergen COPD cohort study 2006-2011. They were clinically examined and interviewed at annual visits. Mortality information was collected from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry in 2015. We performed cox regression for mortality outcomes, linear mixed effect models for lung function, and negative binomial regression for exacerbations. Patients who desaturated in both 6MWTs had increased risk of all-cause and respiratory mortality, hazard ratio (HR) 2.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-5.0) and 3.6 (95% CI 1.7-7.6), respectively, compared to non-desaturators. Patients who desaturated only at second 6MWT were at risk for all-cause mortality (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-3.8). There were no apparent association between 6MWD and mortality. Desaturation in second 6MWT was associated with later increased rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted (after 1 year predicted mean 4.2% above non-desaturators, after 5 years 0.7% below). Decline in 6MWD ≥ 30m was borderline (

Introduction Despite its clinical relevance in several populations, there is no evidence on applicability of the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in burned subjects. Objectives To verify the applicability and reproducibility of the 6MWT in burned individuals and to analyze patients’ performance in this test at hospital discharge. Methods In a cross-sectional study, burned individuals performed two 6MWT at hospital discharge, according to international standardization. In addition to walked distance, physiological and symptomatic variables were collected. Clinical history and demographic data were also recorded. Results One hundred individuals were evaluated (70 men, 10 [6–18]% total body surface area burned). There was excellent agreement between the two 6MWT (ICC = 0.97). However, 73% of subjects increased the walked distance in the second test (23 [−9–47]m or 5 [−2–10]%; P = 0.001). Considering the best 6MWT, the walked distance was 488 [396–718]m (80 [65–92]%pred), and 51% of the individuals had limited functional exercise capacity. Additionally, participants without lower limb involvement presented better 6MWT than others (P Conclusion The 6MWT was applicable, well tolerated and reproducible at hospital discharge in burned individuals. However, there was considerable learning effect between the first and second test. Finally, the reduced exercise capacity observed reinforces need for early rehabilitation in this population.

Cardiovascular disease is up to 10 times more likely among childhood cancer survivors compared to siblings. Low cardiorespiratory fitness is a modifiable risk-factor for cardiovascular diseases. Yet, cardiorespiratory fitness is not routinely screened in pediatric oncology, and healthy VO2max cut-points are unavailable. We aimed to predict cardiorespiratory fitness by developing a simple algorithm and establish cut-points identifying survivors' cardiovascular fitness health-risk zones. We recruited 262 childhood cancer survivors (8-18 years old, ≥1-year posttreatment). Participants completed gold-standard cardiorespiratory fitness assessment (Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test [CPET; VO2max ]) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Associations with VO2max were included in a linear regression algorithm to predict VO2max , which was then cross-validated. We used Bland-Altman's limits of agreement and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves using FITNESSGRAM's "Healthy Fitness Zones" to identify cut-points for adequate cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 199 participants (aged 13.7 ± 2.7 years, 8.5 ± 3.5 years posttreatment) were included. We found a strong positive correlation between VO2max and 6MWT distance (r = 0.61, r2 = 0.37, p

Aims The 6-min-walk test (6MWT) is a validated proxy for frailty and a predictor of clinical outcomes, yet is not widely used due to implementation challenges. This comparative effectiveness study assesses the reliability and repeatability of a home-based 6MWT compared to in-clinic 6MWTs in patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods and results One hundred and ten (110) patients scheduled for cardiac or vascular surgery were enrolled during a study period from June 2018 to December 2019 at the Palo Alto VA Hospital. Subjects were provided with an Apple iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 3 loaded with the VascTrac research study application and performed a supervised in-clinic 6MWT during enrolment, at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. Subjects also received notifications to perform at-home smartphone-based 6MWTs once a week for a duration of 6 months. Test–retest reliability of in-clinic measurements and at-home measurements was assessed with an industry standard Cronbach’s alpha reliability test. Test–retest reliability for in-clinic ground truth 6MWT steps vs. in-clinic iPhone 6MWT steps was 0·99, showing high reliability between the two tested measurements. When comparing for in-clinic ground truth 6MWT steps vs. neighbouring at-home iPhone 6MWT steps, reliability was 0·74. Conclusion Running the test–reliability test on both measurements shows that an iPhone 6MWT test is reliable compared to an in-clinic ground truth measurement in patients with cardiovascular disease.

The presence of flexible flat feet is often reported to negatively impact foot health, and endurance during walking. Foot orthoses are commonly prescribed for symptoms associated with flat feet. This study aimed to investigate the impact of individually prescribed foot orthoses on foot health and endurance measures when used in a flat foot population. Methods This study was a pilot parallel-group single-blinded RCT comparing customised foot orthoses and sham inserts for impact on foot pain, fatigue and function following four weeks of use, and changes in distance travelled measures (m) during the six-minute walk test following four weeks of use and at immediate wear. Results Thirteen participants were recruited (8 female), seven received foot orthoses and six received sham inserts. The study was underpowered to detect change (range 0.05 to 0.20). A statistically significant difference existed between groups at baseline for foot pain. No statistically significant results were observed for the use of foot orthoses or sham inserts after four weeks of use or at immediate wear. The sham insert group were observed to improve their distance travelled (median increase 23.5 m), and foot pain (VAS) in accordance with minimally importance difference when compared to the foot orthoses group (between group difference 15.5 mm) following four weeks of use, however, large variations in response were observed (IQR 34.7 m and 50.5 mm respectively). Discussion No significant differences were found between the foot orthoses and sham insert group for foot health or endurance measures following four weeks of use, however, outcomes should be viewed with caution due to small sample size and variation in individual response. Further investigations comparing customised foot orthoses and sham inserts in the adult flexible flat foot population are recommended.

Background The main limitation of the six-minute walk test (6-MWT) is that not all pulmonary function testing facilities have an indoor flat, 30-m-long corridor. Therefore, this study aimed 1) to evaluate the correlation and agreement of the distances walked in 30-m- vs. 15-m-long corridors by subjects with chronic lung diseases (CLD group) and 2) to compare the levels of oxygen saturation (nSpO2), blood pressure (BP), heart rate recovery at minute one post-exercise (HRR1), and Borg scale scores for dyspnea and fatigue between the two distances walked. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City. Subjects with chronic lung diseases and healthy adults were invited to participate. The distance of the 6-MWT was randomly assigned based on whether the first test was in the 15-m or 30-m corridor. Results Ninety individuals were included; the correlation in meters walked between the two corridors was r = 0.96 in CLD; the 95% limits of agreement for the 6-MWT ranged from −73 to +37 m. Most subjects walked further in the 30-m corridor (82%); however, the percent predicted values for the CLD group were 3.5% lower for the 15-m corridor than the 30-m corridor. Only 10.5% of the subjects with CLD would have been falsely classified as having a normal 6-MWT (false negative). No significant differences in the nSpO2, Borg scale, BP or HRR1 were found between the two 6-MWT corridor lengths. Conclusion The 6-MWT can be performed using a 15-m corridor in subjects with CLD, and the results for the distance walked, HRR1, nSpO2, and Borg scale scores are similar to between the 15-m and 30-m corridors.

Rehabilitation programs after amputation often include fitting a prosthesis, but prescriptions vary under similar circumstances. The US Medicare Functional Classification Level (K-level) is a scale for describing functional abilities of persons after lower-limb amputation (from 0 = no ability or potential to ambulate, to 4 = prosthetic demands of a child/active adult/athlete). Different outcome measures are used to assess K-level, including six-minute walk test (6MWT). We attempted to predict the assigned K-level of unilateral transtibial prosthesis users from their results of 6MWT and one-leg standing test on prosthesis (OLSTP). Outpatients who had been rehabilitated and fitted with transtibial prosthesis at the University Rehabilitation Institute in Ljubljana in 2014 were included in a retrospective audit. The data were analysed using receiver-operating-characteristics curves, linear discriminant analysis, classification trees and ordinal logistic regression. Among the 120 patients (aged 39-90, mean 67 years; 79% men), eight belonged to K1 level, 94 to K2, and 18 to K3 or K4; 61 could not stand on the prosthesis, eight stood on it for 1 s, and 51 stood on it for 2 s or more. With a simple classification rule based only on 6MWT (130 m threshold for K2/K3/K4 vs. K1, 340 m for K3/K4 vs. K1/K2), we observed sensitivity and specificity close to 90%. The more sophisticated statistical approaches yielded substantially similar and comparably accurate results. 6MWT and OLST could therefore be used as predictors for transtibial prosthesis prescription in clinical practice.

Objective Standardized walk tests are important for objective assessment of walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) has been suggested to correlate more closely than testing on a treadmill with everyday ambulatory function, but its measurement properties have hardly been studied in IC. The aim of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability, agreement, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change of the 6MWT in patients with IC. Methods This reliability and agreement study recruited 102 patients with stable IC (mean age, 72 ± 7.4 years; 43 women) from the vascular surgery outpatient clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. The patients performed the 6MWT twice, with at least 30 minutes of rest between tests. To determine test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated. Bland-Altman plots were used to measure agreement. Results The mean walking distance in both test and retest was 397.8 m (standard deviation, 81.2 m; N = 100), and the individual walking distance varied from 175 to 600 m. Excellent test-retest reliability for the 6MWT (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-0.97) was observed. The SEM was 16.6 m (95% confidence interval, 14.6-19.3), the SEM percentage was 4.2%, and the minimal detectable change was 46 m. Five observations (5%) were positioned outside the limits of agreement; there was a small proportional bias, and the scatter of values for differences decreased as the average values increased. Conclusions The excellent test-retest reliability implies that it is sufficient for a patient with IC to perform the 6MWT once, at every test occasion. For the individual, an improvement or deterioration in maximum walking distance of >46 m after an intervention would be required to be 95% confident that the change is significant. Being a simple and clinically useful test, the 6MWT can be widely used to evaluate the effects of different interventions in patients with IC.

Background: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is one of the common clinical tests to assess rehabilitation progress and needs in individuals with lower-limb amputation (iLLAs). However, the analysis of this test is mostly limited to the distance parameter. The first aim was to investigate effort intensity and spatiotemporal parameters of 6MWT in iLLAs using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and heart rate (HR) monitor, and second, to assess physical, physiological, and pain-related aspects of fatigue over 6MWT. Methods: Eleven unilateral iLLAs (57.91±15.63 years old) participated in this study. To evaluate HR and spatiotemporal parameters over 6MWT, data were classified using 6 intervals of 1 minute each (I1-I6). The pain level of participants was estimated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Our results showed that the means of normalized HR gradually increased over 6MWT (I1: 61.59±10.73 HRmax%, I6: 70.15±12.26 HRmax%, P = .003). Variability of HR during the first interval of 6MWT was higher than the others ( P < .05). The stance ratio of the gait cycle increased over 6MWT ( P < .05). Cadence and speed decreased over 6MWT ( P < .05). VAS score after 6MWT was significantly higher than before 6MWT ( P = .016). Conclusion: In this preliminary study, effort intensity over 6MWT gradually increased because of enhancement of HR. Deterioration of speed and cadence and enhancement of stance ratio over 6MWT imply potential physical aspects of fatigue and instability. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Background : The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a safe, easy to perform, and inexpensive test to evaluate the functional and exercise capacity in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to describe the 6MWT distance achieved among elderly patients. Methods : This descriptive study was conducted from January to November 2014 using medical records in the geriatric outpatient clinic of the Department of Internal Medicine at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital from 2012 to 2014. The main variable was the distance achieved by the 6MWT, compared based on age, sex, and body mass index. Results : The average distance of the 6MWT in 122 elderly was 237.56 m. The highest results were in the youngest age group of 60–69 year old with an average distance of 243.87 m. A male elderly patients had an average distance of 245.26 m, and the elderly with high body mass index had 248.57 m. Conclusions : The distance achieved among the elderly during the 6MWT is relatively short. Increased physical activity such as walking is recommended for the elderly.

Our objective was to establish the impact of wearing a face mask on the outcome of six-minute walk test in healthy volunteers. In a study of 20 healthy volunteers who each completed two 6MWTs, one with a mask and one without, there was no difference in distance walked. However, there was a significant difference in perception of dyspnea between the two groups.

The psychometric properties of the 2-min walk test (2MWT) and 10-m walk test (10MeWT) for frail older adults are unclear. To determine the test–retest and inter-rater reliability, construct and known-group validity, and minimal detectable change at 95% level of confidence (MDC95) of these walk tests in frail older adults receiving day care and residential care services. A cross-sectional study with repeated measures was conducted on frail older adults who could walk independently for at least 15 m. The participants completed the 2MWT and 10MeWT on three separate occasions over a 2-week period under two independent assessors. Forty-four frail older adults were examined. Excellent test-rest (ICC = 0.95–0.99) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95–0.97) were shown in both walk tests. Good to strong correlations were found between the walk tests and 6-min walk test (r = 0.89–0.92), Elderly Mobility Scale (r = 0.56–0.57), Berg Balance Scale (r = 0.66–0.66) and Modified Barthel Index (r = 0.55–0.59). The MDC95 were 7.7 m in the 2MWT and 0.13 m/s in the 10MeWT. Although the walking performances of the day care and residential care participants were similar, the validity of the walk tests was different between these two subgroups. The 2MWT and 10MeWT are reliable and valid measures in evaluating the walking performances of frail older adults. The MDC95 of the walk tests has been recommended.

Background: The world is currently undergoing a pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). According to the World Health Organization, patients with chronic illnesses appear to be at the highest risk for COVID-19 associated sequelae. Inability to participate in outpatient-based rehabilitation programs and being home-bound can increase the risk for and potential worsening of chronic health conditions. This study evaluated the short-term effects of telerehabilitation on patients’ walk test performance and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: 47 patients (23 cardiovascular, 15 pulmonary, 9 oncology) participated in the telerehabilitation program. At baseline and following a 1-month intervention, patients had their 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD) and HRQoL assessed. Average daily step counts were measured by the PACER App. Conclusion: Our results indicate that a short-term, supervised virtual telerehabilitation program had significant positive effects on 6MWTD and HRQoL in cardiac, pulmonary and oncology patients during COVID-19.

Background: Low confidence to exercise is a barrier to engaging in exercise in heart failure patients. Participating in low to moderate intensity exercise, such as the six-minute walk test, may increase exercise confidence. Aim: To compare the effects of a six-minute walk test with an educational control condition on exercise confidence in heart failure patients. Methods: This was a prospective, quasi-experimental design whereby consecutive adult patients attending an out-patient heart failure clinic completed the Exercise Confidence Scale prior to and following involvement in the six-minute walk test or an educational control condition. Results: Using a matched pairs, mixed model design ( n=60; 87% male; Mage=58.87±13.16), we identified a significantly greater improvement in Total exercise confidence ( F(1,54)=4.63, p=0.036, partial η2=0.079) and Running confidence ( F(1,57)=4.21, p=0. 045, partial η2=0.069) following the six-minute walk test compared to the educational control condition. These benefits were also observed after adjustment for age, gender, functional class and depression. Conclusion: Heart failure patients who completed a six-minute walk test reported greater improvement in exercise confidence than those who read an educational booklet for 10 min. The findings suggest that the six-minute walk test may be used as a clinical tool to improve exercise confidence. Future research should test these results under randomized conditions and examine whether improvements in exercise confidence translate to greater engagement in exercise behavior.

Background: Obesity has repercussions on functional capacity (FC). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a useful tool for assessing submaximal FC, and the distance reached at 6 minutes of walking (D6MW) is a relevant prognostic marker. Objective: This paper aims to establish a reference equation for the distance predicted in 6MWT in obese Brazilian subjects. Methods: This study included 460 patients (306 women), with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, 71% (328) of whom presented a grade III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 Kg/m²) and were evaluated with 6MWT. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and Borg scale perception of effort were recorded before and after the 6MWT. For statistical analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, an unpaired T-Test, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression were used, together with a significance level set at p

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Persons with stroke have increased risk for recurrent stroke and other health conditions. Group exercise programs like cardiac rehabilitation might reduce this risk. These programs commonly use the six-minute walk to measure aerobic capacity. However, failure to assess balance or fall risk may compromise safety for persons with stroke. The study aim was to determine the association between the six-minute walk test and fall risk in persons with stroke. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis measured the association between the six-minute walk test and fall risk in 66 persons with stroke with a mean age of 66 years (SD 12) and median stroke chronicity of 60.9 months (range 6.0–272.1). The six-minute walk test alone and combined with potential co-variates were evaluated using logistic regression. The best fit model was used in Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis. Likelihood ratios and post-test probabilities were calculated. RESULTS: Lower six-minute walk test distance was associated with increased fall risk in logistic regression (p=0.002). The area under the curve for the univariate six-minute walk test model (best fit) was 0.701 (p=0.006). The cutoff for increased fall risk was six-minute walk test < 331.65 meters. The post-test probability of fall risk increased to 74.3% from a pre-test probability of 59.1%. DISCUSSION: The moderate association between fall risk and six-minute walk test suggests that in addition to assessing capacity, the six-minute walk test provides insight into fall risk/balance confidence. CONCLUSION: Using the six-minute walk test cutoff to screen fall risk in community exercise programs may enhance safety for persons with stroke without additional testing required.

Background: The incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) is one of the most widely used field tests to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in clinical and research settings. Reference equations to predict ISWT distance in different populations and age cohorts have been established. However, an equation for the Portuguese pediatric population is not available. This study aimed to develop a reference equation for predicting ISWT in Portuguese children and adolescents. Method: Healthy children and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years old were recruited. Sociodemographic (sex, age), anthropometric (height, weight) and physical activity (Physical Activity Index) data were collected. Lung function was assessed through spirometry and quadriceps muscular strength through hand-held dynamometry. The ISWT was performed twice. A reference equation was established with a multiple linear regression. Results: 130 (60 male; 13.66 ± 2.61y) participants with normal lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second 102.73 ± 15.09% predicted), body mass index (BMI) (20.27 ± 3.59 kg/m2) and quadriceps muscular strength (19.75 ± 6.84 kgf), completed the assessment. 50.8% (n = 66) of the participants were moderately active. Participants walked on average 1165.08 ± 327.19 m in the ISWT. Sex, age and BMI were independent contributors to the ISWT, explaining 54% of its variability (p

This study explored the test-retest reliability and construct validity of a two-minute walk test in children and adolescents with CP Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I, II, and III. Twenty-six participants with CP (age 11.7 ± 3.9 years) were recruited and were assessed twice with the two-minute walk test to determine the test-retest reliability (interval 2 weeks). Minimal detectable changes (MDC95) were calculated. Construct validity was established by comparing the results of the two- and six-minute walk tests during the first assessment. The test-retest reliability was excellent, with intra-class correlation (ICC) = 0.98 for all participants. The (MDC95) for all participants was 12.7 m. The distance covered by children and adolescents with CP in the two-minute walk test had high correlation (r = 0.9, p < 0.01) with distance covered in the six-minute walk test. The two-minute walk test is a valid and reliable outcome measure to assess walking performance in children and adolescents with CP. HIGHLIGHTS The two-minute walk test has excellent reliability and validity among young people with cerebral palsy The minimal detectable change of two-minute walk test among young people with cerebral palsy was 12.7 m The two-minute walk test had high correlation with the six-minute walk test among young people with cerebral palsy

Objective To develop and establish the reliability, validity, measurement error, and minimum detectable change of a novel 30‐second fast‐paced walk test (30SFW) in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA) that is easy to administer and can quantify walking performance in persons of all abilities. Methods Twenty females with symptomatic knee OA (mean age [SD] 58.30 [8.05] years) and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched asymptomatic controls (57.25 [8.71] years) participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires of demographic and clinical data, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) followed by 30SFW performance. Participants returned 2‐7 days later and performed the 30SFW again. Results The knee OA group reported function that was worse than controls (all KOOS subscales; P < 0.0001). The 30SFW intrarater and interrater reliability were excellent [ICC (2,1) = 0.95‐0.99]. Knee OA participants walked a shorter distance in the 30SFW than controls (mean [SD]: OA 44.4 m [9.5 m]; control 58.1 m [7.8 m]; P < 0.0001). Positive strong correlations were found between the 30SFW and the KOOS–Activity of Daily Living, SF‐36‐Physical Functioning, and SF‐36‐Physical Health Composite scores (P < 0.0001). A nonsignificant, weak correlation between 30SFW and SF‐36‐Mental Health scores was present (r = 0.32, P = 0.05). Conclusion The 30SFW has excellent intrarater and interrater reliability. The 30SFW demonstrated excellent known groups, convergent, and discriminant validity as a measure of short‐distance walking ability in persons with knee OA. Clinicians and researchers should consider using the 30SFW to quantify walking ability in persons with knee OA and assess walking ability change.

BackgroundThe endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) is used to evaluate exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The recommended pre-intervention tolerated duration (Tlim) is between 3-8 minutes for optimal interpretation of treatment effects. However, this window may be exceeded and factors determining ESWT Tlim are not completely understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether pulmonary function, physical and incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) performance measures are associated with ESWT Tlim in COPD patients.MethodsAssessment data from patients eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation was retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of COPD and complete data availability regarding ESWT and ISWT. Patients performed an ESWT at 85% of ISWT speed and were divided into three groups (ESWT Tlim: 8 minutes). Subject characteristics, severity of complaints, pulmonary function, physical capacity and activity, exercise tolerance and quadriceps muscle strength were evaluated.Results245 COPD patients (FEV1 38 (29-52)% predicted) were included. Median ESWT Tlim was 6.0 (3.7-10.3) minutes, 41 (17%) patients walked 8 minutes. Body mass index, maximal oxygen consumption, Tlim on constant work rate cycle test, physical activity level, maximal ISWT speed, dyspnoea Borg score at rest and increase of leg fatigue Borg score during ISWT independently predicted Tlim in multivariate regression analysis (R-2 = 0.297, p

Purpose: Performance-based outcome measures are becoming increasingly important in health care. The 2-minute walk test (2MWT) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) are frequently used in clinical trials as performance-based tests in many diseases including osteoarthritis. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine test-retest reliability of data for the 2MWT and the TUG; (2) to determine minimal detectable change (MDC) scores for the TUG and 2MWT in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: 37 patients, who had undergone primary THA, were included. Patients twice performed trials for the 2MWT and TUG on the same day. In addition to demographic data of patients, the Harris Hip Score, 2MWT and TUG scores were recorded. Results: The TUG and 2MWT showed excellent test-retest reliability. The Intraclass correlation coefficient ICC (2,1), Standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable chance at the 95% CI (MDC95) for TUG were 0.96, 0.59 seconds and 1.62 seconds respectively. The ICC (2,1), SEM and MDC95 for 2MWT were 0.96, 6.37 m and 17.56 m respectively. Conclusion: Clinicians and researchers can be confident that greater changes than 1.62 seconds for TUG and 17.56 m for the 2MWT over time represent a real clinical change in rehabilitation process in patients with THA. Both the 2MWT and TUG may assist in early identification of patients who may need additional rehabilitation to reduce the potential for poor outcomes after THA. Therefore, both of these tests can be used in a clinical setting with a small measurement error.

IntroductionAn Ideal battery of testing for function would be inexpensive, easily administered, standardized and validated for multiple health issues. This would also be sensitive to change over time and able to extrapolate avocational and vocational tasks. The data collection exercise for this study included both subjective and objective measures which include the Short Form Health Survey 12 (SF-12), the 2 minute walk test (2MWT) and a newly developed upper extremity strength/conditioning activity called the Elevation and Movement Lift test (EMLi).MethodsA convenience sample of 102 patients with chronic pain. They were seen in the Canadian Forces Health Services Unit (CFHSU (O)) Physiatry Clinic between January-September 2019 and were asked to complete the data intake protocol. This included: completing a questionnaire with the Numeric Rating Pain Scale (NRS) covering the previous 7 days, the SF-12, and completed the 2 MWT and EMLi.ResultsFor the 2MWT heart rate, perceived exertion and number of steps were all increased for patients with chronic pain compared to the control group. There was no difference noted between patients with upper/lower body pain. In patients with chronic pain SF-12 physical function score negatively correlated with perceived exertion but not performance. As for the EMLI test, all groups had similar perceived exertion and heart rate outcomes but a reduced performance was noted with the upper extremity group.DiscussionFor the 2MWT, the individual’s performance related to effort and not their pain state, PE and SF-12. This suggests a higher capacity for walking then the patients realise. As for the EMLi, individual’s performance was poorer for same level of effort. This correlates to their perceived function as seen on the SF-12 which might measure pain related dysfunction.ConclusionThe 2MWT performance was effort dependent and not correlated with perceived abilities. Therefore it can be used to challenge patient performance. EMLi performance correlated with perception and upper extremity pain. This could be used to set clinical training targets and monitor each individual’s progress.

Objective The aim of this systematic review was to assess functional improvement, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) after the application of a resistance training (RT) protocol in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Materials and methods The search involved the databases ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, PubMed and Scopus from the beginning of inception to September 1, 2019. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the functional impact of RT were included. The quality of the trials was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Calculations were performed according to mean difference (MD) for differences between pre- and post-intervention in 6MWT distance and according to the standardized mean difference (SMD) for post-treatment results of the 6MWT and quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) improvement. Results In total, 23 studies (690 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was used to compute the best improvement on the 6MWT with an analysis of improvement pre- versus post-treatment (MD 37.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.8; 64.8, I2 = 86%, p = 0.008) versus post-treatment alone, intervention versus control group (MD 15.5, 95% CI -7.7; 38.6, I2 = 71%, p = 0.19). QMS was significantly improved (SMD 2.9, 95% CI 1.1; 4.7, I2 = 91%, p = 0.002). Conclusion The results of the meta-analysis show a significant improvement in walking ability and performance measured by the 6MWT and an improvement in QMS for people with COPD responding to the therapy. The main limitation of this review is the significant heterogeneity across the study results. Furthermore, the statistical significance does not totally coincide with the clinical significance. RT is recommended to reduce muscle dysfunction and seems useful when combined with endurance training.

Background: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is well established for evaluation of functional exercise capacity in patients with conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, peripheral arterial disease and heart failure. Its popularity as an endpoint in heart failure trials has increased in parallel with health authority acceptance of the test as a measure of patients' function. Minimizing variability is key to the successful conduct and outcome of trials with 6MWT endpoints. We assessed the impact on walking distance variability of a structured training and monitoring program Methods: After systematically observing conduct of 6MWT worldwide, our core lab developed a multifaceted approach including inspection and standardization of the walking course, standardized training, review of the first 3 tests for each test administrator and random tests thereafter, standardized data collection methods, and assessment of intra-test inconsistencies with feedback. Variability of walking distance using this structured approach is descriptively compared with 6MWT data from the literature. Results: In a multicenter trial which used the structured program, the standard deviation (SD) of distance walked was 21.7% of the mean at baseline and 22.6% at Week 4 (Table). For comparison, we reviewed 2018-19 reports of 6MWT not utilizing this structured approach and identified 5 multicenter studies of patients with heart failure which reported mean and SD of distance walked (Table). Baseline distance walked ranged from 104 to 385 m (weighted mean 220.4 m); SD of distance walked ranged from 28% to 135% of distance walked (weighted mean 70.9%). Conclusion: Standardization of the 6MWT walking course, structured training of test administrators and monitoring of test quality may reduce test variability which could improve accuracy of treatment effect assessment and possibly require smaller sample sizes.

Purpose. To evaluate changes in walk test performance and blood pressure (BP) responses following a 12-week exercise-based outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. Methods. Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and resting systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), post-6MWT heart rate (HR), and post-6MWT BPs were measured before and after CR in 311 (237 men,74 women) patients. Using age as a covariate, 2 by 2 (Gender × Measurement) ANCOVAs were used to determine differences in 6MWT performance and hemodynamic variables. Results. After adjusting for age, men covered a greater 6MWT distance than women; pre-CR versus post-CR program values are as follows: men, 429.3 ± 94.6 versus 557.6 ± 90.7 m, P ≤ .001; women, 374.9 ± 100.7 versus 483.2 ± 82.9 m, P ≤ .001. Both genders reduced resting DBP following the CR program (men: 67.2 ± 9.8 vs 65.6 ± 8.5 mm Hg, P = .034; women: 69.2 ± 10.7 vs 65.0 ± 8.0 mm Hg, P = .001) and increased HR following the 6MWT after the CR program (men: 97.7 ± 16.8 vs 112.7 ± 21.3 bpm, P ≤ .001; women: 100.7 ± 20.8 vs 110.2 ± 22.0 bpm, P ≤ .001). Similarly, SBP increased immediately following the 6MWT (122.8 ± 18.5 vs 133.6 ± 20.7 mm Hg; P ≤ .001) in men but not in women. Conclusion. The present findings indicate similar relative improvements in 6MWT performance and BP responses in adherent men and women following an exercise-based CR program.

The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) is used to evaluate neuromuscular control, proprioception, protective reflexes, fall risk, and balance. The aim of the present study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the 3MBWT in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Twenty-eight patients with primary TKA, operated by the same surgeon, were included in this study. Patients performed trials for 3MBWT twice on the same day. Between the first and second trials, patients waited for an hour on sitting position to prevent fatigue. The 3MBWT showed an excellent test-retest reliability in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for 3MBWT was 0.97. The standard error of measurement and smallest real difference at the 95% confidence level for 3MBWT were 1.06 and 2.94, respectively. The 3MBWT has an excellent test-retest reliability in patients with primary TKA. It is an effective and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and participant falls. As a clinical test, the 3MBWT is easy to score, requires little space, has no cost, needs no special equipment, and can be applied in a short time as part of the routine medical examination. © 2020 World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.

Treadmill test, cycloergometer test and walk tests are used to assess effort tolerance in patients with COPD. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is an easy and objective tool frequently used in clinical practice. The 6-minute walk test is used to assess effort tolerance in the process of qualification for an adequate model of pulmonological rehabilitation and as a way of assessing the effects of physiotherapy. The objective of this work was to verify the usefulness of the 6-minute walk test on the treadmill for effort tolerance assessment in patients with COPD. The research included 33 in-patients with COPD (18 males and 15 females) treated in MSWiA Hospital in Glucholazy. Before therapy, all patients were given a 6-minute walk test conducted in the hospital corridor and a 6-minute walk test on the treadmill. Distance, average walk speed and energy expenditure were recorded for each patient. Obtained data was subjected to statistical analysis with the use of the Wilcoxon Test with the level of statistical significance at p < 0.05 for all tests. The comparison of the results achieved by the patients in the 6-minute walk test carried out in the hospital corridor and the results of the 6-minute walk test conducted on the treadmill showed significant differences between these two test methods within the same group of patients. The differences in the values of parameters indicating both distance and MET in the two tests were of statistical significance (p < 0.05). Significantly higher parameter values indicating distance covered and MET were observed in the patients tested in the hospital corridor. The 6-minute walk test on the treadmill should not be used as an alternative to other tests for effort tolerance assessment for the same patients.Keywords: 6-min walk test, COPD, physiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a well-established clinical assessment of functional endurance, validated as a measure of walking ability in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The current availability of disease-modifying therapies for SMA indicates a growing need for normative reference data to compare SMA patients with healthy controls. METHODS: The literature was searched in two scientific databases. Studies were evaluated and selected based on adherence to American Thoracic Society guidelines for administering the 6MWT. Reference equations from the selected studies were applied to 6MWT data collected from SMA patients to calculate and compare % predicted values. RESULTS: Three pediatric and six adult studies were selected for comparison. The % predicted values using the pediatric and adult equations ranged from 47.7 ± 18.2% to 67.6 ± 26.2% and 43.0 ± 17.9% to 59.5 ± 26.2%, respectively, and were significantly different (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Results suggest significant variability between % predicted values derived from published reference equations in children and adults, despite adherence to 6MWT standardization.

BACKGROUND A moderate 1-km treadmill walk test (1k-TWT) has been demonstrated to be a valid tool for estimating peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in outpatients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The results obtained by the 1k-TWT predict survival and hospitalization in men and women with CVD. We aimed to examine whether shorter versions of the full 1k-TWT equally assess VO2peak in outpatients with CVD. METHODS One hundred eighteen outpatients with CVD, aged 70±9 years, referred to an exercise-based secondary prevention program, performed a moderate and perceptually-regulated (11-13/20 on the Borg Scale) 1k-TWT. Age, height, weight, heart rate, time to walk 100-m, 200-m, 300-m, and 400-m, and the full 1000-m, were entered into equations to estimate VO2peak. RESULTS The minimal distance providing similar VO2peak results of the full 1k-TWT was 200-m: 23.0±5.3 mL/kg/min and 23.0±5.5 mL/kg/min, respectively. The concordance correlation coefficient between the two was 0.97 (95%CI 0.96 to 0.98, P

Background: The incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) is widely used in clinical and research settings. However, there are no reference equations to predict the walk distance achieved in the ISWT (ISWD) for healthy Japanese adults. We aimed to establish a reference equation for the ISWD prediction in Japanese adults. Methods: The sample comprised 590 healthy Japanese subjects (237 male). All subjects performed the ISWT twice, and their anthropometric and demographic data were collected, including gender, age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Results: Subjects walked 640 [490?793] m in the ISWT. The ISWD correlated (p < 0.001 for all) with age (r = ? 0.51), gender (r = 0.56), weight (r = 0.39), and height (r = 0.62), but not with BMI (r = ? 0.01, p = 0.74). The stepwise multiple regression model showed that age, gender, and height were independent contributors to the ISWT in healthy subjects, explaining 50% of the variability. The reference equation for the ISWD was: ISWD(m) = ? 4.894 ? 4.107 × Age (years) + 131.115 × Gender + 4.895 × Height (cm), where male gender = 1. Conclusion: We have established a reference equation for the ISWD prediction in Japanese adults. The prediction accuracy was high (R2 = 50%), and a reference equation was established using anthropometric and demographic variables that can be easily assessed in clinical settings. The reference equation developed in this study will be useful for evaluating the magnitude of exercise intolerance in Japanese adults., Respiratory Investigation, 56(6), pp.497-502; 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is commonly used in people with stroke. The purpose of this study was to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the 6MWT 2 months poststroke. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of data from a rehabilitation trial. Participants underwent physical therapy between 2 and 6 months poststroke and the 6MWT was measured before and after. Two anchors of important change were used: the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The MCID for the 6MWT was estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves for the entire sample and for 2 subgroups: initial gait speed (IGS)