[Indications and performance of a 6 minute treadmill test in pneumology]

The aim of rehabilitative measures for chronic airway and lung diseases is the restoration or improvement of disturbed lung function along with increased quality of life. The six minute walking-distance test (6 min WDT) is a suitable method for the assessment of the physical fitness of patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. The results of the 6 min WDT do not correlate strictly with lung function but correlate rather better with quality of life parameters and dyspnoea ratings; they therefore provide a better reflection of the patient's condition in daily life than is given by lung function measurements. Such a parameter may be appropriate in considerations of the potential for rehabilitation, in addition to its usefulness in questions of assessment.