6-minute Walk test (6MWT)

It allows to measure the tolerance to effort and to assess if there is any degree of limitation. The test is useful in patient follow-ups and enables assessing response to the prescribed medical treatment.  

Two cones are placed 30 metres apart in a corridor and the patient must walk for six minutes at a rapid pace to enable them to cover the maximum metres possible in this time. The member of the health staff that carries out the test records the feeling of dyspnoea (breathlessness), blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and metres walked.

In order to perform the test, the patient must have a light breakfast and take their usual medication. They must come in comfortable clothes and footwear, suitable for them to carry out physical activity. Intense exercise must not be performed two hours prior to the test. The patients can use their usual walking aids for the test (walking-stick, crutch, walker, etc.).

If the patient has to do the test with oxygen, a second person will walk along with the patient to carry the oxygen trolley.

The test will be carried out by nursing staff, technicians, or physiotherapists familiarised with the test and previously trained for this.

The personnel who carry out the test are responsible for preparing the corresponding report. That is then assessed by the pulmonologist.

There may be fatigue, cough, and a slight sensation of breathlessness. The patient is accompanied by health staff during the whole process.