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Six-Minute Walk Test Vs. Three-Minute Step Test for Measuring Functional Endurance.
Richard W Bohannon1, Deborah J Bubela, Ying-Chih Wang
11Program in Physical Therapy, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut; 2Department of Occupational Science and Technology, College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 3Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and 4Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Nothwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
The six-minute walk test (SMWT) is a better field measure for functional endurance than the three-minute step test (TMST). SMWT showed higher completion rates and less physiological stress, making it suitable for the NIH Toolbox.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Functional Assessment
- Neurological and Behavioral Function
Background:
- Functional endurance is crucial for overall health and daily activities.
- Practical field tests are needed for assessing functional endurance in diverse populations.
- The NIH Toolbox requires validated measures for neurological and behavioral function assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the six-minute walk test (SMWT) and three-minute step test (TMST) as practical measures of functional endurance.
- To evaluate the appropriateness of SMWT and TMST for field testing and inclusion in the NIH Toolbox.
- To assess completion rates, physiological responses, and perceived exertion for both tests.
Main Methods:
- 189 participants aged 14-85 years completed both SMWT and TMST in random order.
- Data collected included test completion rates, performance metrics, heart rate response, and subjective exertion.
- Statistical analysis compared outcomes between the two tests.
Main Results:
- SMWT completion rate was 100%, while TMST completion was 73.0%.
- Participants completing TMST were younger, healthier, and had lower BMI.
- TMST elicited significantly higher heart rate and perceived exertion compared to SMWT.
Conclusions:
- SMWT demonstrates higher feasibility and lower physiological stress, making it preferable for functional endurance field testing.
- SMWT is a more suitable candidate for inclusion in the NIH Toolbox compared to TMST.
- These findings support the use of SMWT for broader population assessments.
