6-Minute Walk Test Calculator

Assess functional exercise capacity and predict prognosis in chronic conditions

Age (years)

Gender Male Female

Height (cm)

Weight (kg)

Distance Walked in 6 Minutes (meters)

Primary Condition (optional) None/Healthy COPD Heart Failure Pulmonary Hypertension Other Chronic Condition

6-Minute Walk Test Results

400 m

Distance Walked 400 meters

Predicted Distance 623 meters

Percentage of Predicted 64%

Functional Capacity Moderately Impaired

Interpretation

Your walked distance is moderately below the predicted value for your age and gender. This suggests some impairment in functional exercise capacity. Consider discussing these results with your healthcare provider.

Reference Values

Functional Capacity	Percentage of Predicted	Typical Distance (m)
Normal/Excellent	>85%	>500
Mild Impairment	70-85%	400-500
Moderate Impairment	50-70%	300-400
Severe Impairment	<50 td="">	<300 td="">

Recommendations

• Consider a supervised exercise program to improve endurance
• Discuss your results with your healthcare provider
• Monitor your progress with regular 6MWT assessments

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About the 6-Minute Walk Test

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, inexpensive, and well-standardized test that measures the distance a patient can quickly walk on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes.

Purpose

• Assess functional exercise capacity
• Evaluate response to medical interventions
• Predict morbidity and mortality in chronic conditions
• Monitor disease progression

How to Perform the Test

1. Use a flat, straight, 30-meter walking course
2. Patient walks as far as possible in 6 minutes
3. Allowed to slow down, stop, and rest as needed
4. Measure the total distance walked in meters

Contraindications

• Unstable angina or recent myocardial infarction
• Resting heart rate >120 bpm
• Systolic BP >180 mmHg or diastolic BP >100 mmHg
• Any condition that would make walking unsafe

Reference Equations

Predicted distances are calculated using the Enright & Sherrill equations:

• Men: (7.57 × height in cm) - (5.02 × age) - (1.76 × weight in kg) + 309
• Women: (2.11 × height in cm) - (5.78 × age) - (2.29 × weight in kg) + 667

What is the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)?

The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, low-cost assessment used to measure functional exercise capacity in individuals with heart, lung, or other health conditions. It calculates the maximum distance a person can walk in 6 minutes on a flat, hard surface, providing insights into:

• Cardiovascular endurance

• Pulmonary function

• Overall physical fitness

• Disease progression (e.g., COPD, heart failure)

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How Does the 6MWT Calculator Work?

The calculator compares the actual distance walked in 6 minutes to predicted values based on age, gender, height, and weight.

1. Standardized Test Procedure

• Conducted on a 30-meter (98 ft) straight, flat track (e.g., hospital corridor).

• The patient walks as far as possible in 6 minutes (can slow down or stop if needed).

• Distance recorded in meters or feet.

2. Predicted Distance Formulas

Several equations estimate the expected 6MWT distance for healthy individuals:

A. Enright & Sherrill (1998) – Commonly Used

• Men:
  Predicted Distance (m) = (7.57 × height in cm) – (5.02 × age) – (1.76 × weight in kg) + 309

• Women:
  Predicted Distance (m) = (2.11 × height in cm) – (5.78 × age) – (2.29 × weight in kg) + 667

B. Troosters et al. (1999) – Alternative Formula

• Men & Women Combined:
  Predicted Distance (m) = 218 + (5.14 × height in cm) – (5.32 × age) – (1.80 × weight in kg)

3. Percent of Predicted Value

The actual distance walked is compared to the predicted value to assess fitness:

% Predicted = (Actual Distance / Predicted Distance) × 100

Interpretation:

% Predicted	Interpretation
>100%	Better than average
80-100%	Normal
60-79%	Mild impairment
40-59%	Moderate impairment
<40%	Severe impairment

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Features of a 6MWT Calculator

1. Inputs Required:

   • Age, gender, height, weight

   • Actual distance walked (meters/feet)

2. Outputs Provided:

   • Predicted 6MWT distance

   • Percent of predicted value

   • Fitness level classification

3. Additional Metrics (Optional):

   • Heart rate before/after test

   • Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) changes

   • Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

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Limitations of the 6MWT

• Not diagnostic alone – Used alongside other tests.

• Effort-dependent – Motivation affects results.

• Environmental factors – Track length, weather, and footwear matter.

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How to Use the 6MWT Calculator

1. Measure the walked distance (e.g., 450 meters).

2. Enter age, gender, height, and weight into the calculator.

3. Compare actual vs. predicted distance.

4. Assess fitness level based on the percentage.

Example Calculation:

• Gender: Male

• Age: 50 years

• Height: 175 cm

• Weight: 80 kg

• Actual Distance Walked: 500 meters

Predicted Distance (Enright & Sherrill formula):
= (7.57 × 175) – (5.02 × 50) – (1.76 × 80) + 309
= 1,324.75 – 251 – 140.8 + 309 ≈ **1,241.95 meters**

% Predicted:
= (500 / 1,241.95) × 100 ≈ **40.3%** (Moderate to severe impairment)