ISSN: 2642-1143
Authors: Woods L*
Introduction: The 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is an easy and effective way to measure functional capacity, track progress/ regression of interventions, and predict morbidity and mortality. According to the protocol of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the ideal course length for the 6 MWT is 30m. Unfortunately, most clinics do not have sufficient space to accommodate these guidelines. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the effects of different course lengths on the 6MWT in healthy adults age 18-30, in addition to adding to the normative data for distanced walked. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used. Twenty-one healthy participants were randomly assigned to either the 15m or 20m walk group. Results were analyzed using a one- tailed paired samples t-test. Results: Both the 15m and 20m groups demonstrated no difference in distance walked when compared to their 30m trial. The mean distance walked in the 15m groups was 544.28m (SD = 46.15), with a 30-m course distance walked as 614.54m (SD = 65.81). The mean distance walked in the 20-m group was 597.37m (SD = 59.92) with a 30-m distanced walked as 614.54m (SD = 65.81). Discussion: Our study is one of the first to investigate distanced walked in healthy adults aged 18-30. Based on our results, we suggest that clinicians and researchers use their current space, albeit their space is at least 15m with health adults. Further research is warranted to investigate course lengths relationship to distance walked in other population.
Keywords: Course length; Six-minute walk test; Healthy adults
