Predictive models for the six-minute walk test considering the walking course and physical activity level

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Clinical space limitations necessitate shorter courses for the six-minute walk test (6MWT).
• Course length and physical activity level (PAL) are known to influence 6MWT outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a reference equation for the 6MWT.
• Incorporate the effects of course length and PAL on walking distance into the equation.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study with 215 healthy adults.
• Subjects performed the 6MWT on 10-, 20-, and 30-meter courses.
• Regression models analyzed the association between 6MWD and various factors including heart rate, perceived exertion, PAL, and anthropometrics.

Main Results:

• A nonlinear increase in 6MWD was observed with longer courses (10m, 20m, 30m).
• 6MWD positively correlated with sex, body height, PAL, perceived exertion, and heart rate.
• 6MWD negatively correlated with age and BMI. The best regression model (R2=0.36) included sex, age, BMI, course length, perceived exertion, heart rate, and PAL.

Conclusions:

• Course length significantly impacts 6MWT performance in young adults.
• PAL, assessed via IPAQ, is an important independent predictor of 6MWD.
• Incorporating course length and PAL into prediction equations enhances 6MWT accuracy.