Criterion-Related Validity and Reliability of the Six-Minute Run Walk Test Among Children: Findings from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study is to examine the available scientific evidence on the reliability and criterion validity of 6-minute run walk field-based test when administered to children and adolescents. Systematic searches were performed in three electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscuss and Scopus) from their inception until February 2024, with an update on August 15, 2024. Studies were considered eligible if they provided information on the criterion-related validity and/or reliability of the 6-minute run walk test when conducted by children (aged 12 years and under) and/or adolescents (aged 13 to 17 years). To examine reliability and validity, two separate meta-analyses were implemented. In the meta-analysis focused on criterion-related validity, the five studies included indicated a fair validity (<italic>r</italic> = 0.56 [95% CI: 0.44–0.66]) and high homogeneity (I2 0%). In the meta-analysis focused on reliability, the pooled data from the five studies employing Pearson’s correlation coefficient (<italic>n</italic> = 585) revealed strong reliability values (<italic>r</italic> = 0.82 [95% CI: 0.75–0.87]), albeit with a moderate level of heterogeneity (I2 71% prediction interval 0.55–0.94). The evidence suggests that the 6-minute run walk field-based test demonstrated fair criterion-related validity and strong test-retest reliability when conducted with children and adolescent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]