6 Minute Walk Distance

Male patients:

6MWD in meters = (7.57 × height in cm) – (5.02 × age) – (1.76 × weight in kg) – 309

Lower limit of normal = 6MWD - 153

Female patients:

6MWD in meters = (2.11 × height in cm) – (2.29 × weight in kg)  – (5.78 × age) + 667

Lower limit of normal = 6MWD - 139

• Primarily used to assess response to interventions in patients with moderate to severe heart or lung disease (American Thoracic Society guidelines).
• Can be used to measure functional status in patients who are elderly, frail, and/or otherwise unable to tolerate treadmill exercise tests.
• Commonly used in patients with COPD, heart failure, arthritis, and neuromuscular disorders.

• Original cohort did not include patients <40 or >80 years old and non-Caucasian patients.
• Widely used across specialities dealing with geriatrics and/or chronic disease.
• Intended to be carried out along a flat straight walking course 30 m (100 ft) long, with brightly colored tape marking the starting line (as well as every 60 m lap). Use of a treadmill is not recommended. More detailed instructions are available in the American Thoracic Society guidelines.
• Known to be less accurate in shorter patients, who have shorter strides.

Treat the underlying disorder. 6MWD can be serially measured to assess progression of disease and response to treatment.