6-Minute Walk Test in Delhi | 6MWT for COPD & Lungs

6 Minute Walk Test

The 6 Minute Walk Test is a simple exercise test used to assess a individuals functional exercise capacity – which analyses how well your heart, lungs and muscles work together when you are physically active.

The patient during this test is asked to walk at their own pace for six minutes on a flat, straight path and the total distance walked is recorded. It is widely used in cardiology, pulmonology, and rehabilitation medicine.

Why This Test is Being Done?

To evaluate the severity of any lung or heart disease.
It helps to monitor the treatment progress.
To assess the oxygen needs during the activities.
To predict the exercise tolerant of an individual.
To evaluate functional status in condition like
1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
2. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
3. Pulmonary Hypertension
4. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
5. Post COVID Recovery
6. Pre – and post – lung transplant

Procedure Of the Test

The patient has to walk back and forth along a 30- meter hallway or on the designated area.
A technician there will mark the time to walk for exactly 6 minutes.
The patient can slow down, rest, or stop if needed, but the clock keeps running as it is and the total distance covered is being measured.
Vital signs such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and heart rate may get recorded before and after the test.

What Does The Result Indicate?

The more distance walked generally reflects the better physical fitness of the patient.
And on the other way the shorter distance may indicate limited cardiopulmonary functions or muscle fatigue.
Normal values vary by age, gender, and health status.

Benefits Of The 6 Minute Walk Test

It is very simple and of low – cost.
It doesn’t require any special equipment.
It can be performed in a hospital’s hallway or anywhere in the clinic.
It provides useful information for treatment planning.

Who Should Not Perform This Test?

An individual with unstable angina or recent heart attack.
Who have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The ones who experience shortness of breath.
Or the ones who are still recovering from any recent surgery or any injury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the person stop or take rest during the test?

Yes, the individual may stop to rest if needed, but the clock keeps running. Try to resume walking as soon as you feel ready.

2. Will the person be walking fast or slowly?

The patient can walk at his/her own comfortable pace. The goal is to cover as much ground as possible without overexertion.

3. Is the test painful or risky?

No, it’s a safe and low – risk test. Some patients may feel mild breathlessness or fatigue, which usually resolves very quickly.

4. How should I prepare for the test?

One should wear a comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Take your medications as advised. Avoid heavy meals or intense exercise before the test.

6 minute walk test