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Comparability of the 6-min walk test using different test configurations
Del N Konopka1, Robin P Shook, Marian L Kohut
1Dept. Of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
|July 29, 2008
Summary
The six-minute walk test (6MWT) shows consistent results across different course setups in older adults. However, the oval track configuration resulted in greater walking distances compared to the rectangular course.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a standard fitness assessment for older adults.
- Variations in course design may influence 6MWT outcomes, raising questions about comparability.
- Standardization of the 6MWT course is crucial for reliable fitness evaluations in geriatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the comparability of two distinct six-minute walk test (6MWT) course configurations.
- To determine if performance on an outdoor rectangular course can be predicted from an indoor oval track course.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five adults aged 65 and older participated in the study.
- Participants completed two 6MWTs: one on a 20x5 yd outdoor rectangular course and another on a 144.3 yd indoor oval track.
- Internal consistency of the test scores was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient.
Main Results:
- The 6MWT scores demonstrated high internal consistency (ICC = .95).
- Participants walked significantly farther on the indoor oval track (639 ± 19 yd) compared to the outdoor rectangular course (582 ± 16 yd; p < .0001).
- A predictive equation was established (66.7 yd + 0.807 x oval walking distance, R² = .85) to estimate rectangular course performance from oval track data.
Conclusions:
- While within-participant 6MWT performance is consistent across different configurations, the course layout significantly impacts the total distance covered.
- The findings suggest that the oval track configuration may yield higher distance measurements than the rectangular one.
- The developed equation allows for the estimation of performance between the two tested 6MWT course configurations, aiding in standardized interpretation of results.
