What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Intellectual disability (n=13). Intervention: Modified Six-Minute Walk Test (modified-6MWT) vs. Graded maximal treadmill test (VO2 peak). Primary outcome: Test-retest reliability and concurrent validity with VO2 peak (R = 0.84, p=< .001).

December 18, 2012

The Six-Minute Walk Test for adults with intellectual disability: A study of validity and reliability

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

The modified Six-Minute Walk Test demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.98) and significant concurrent validity with VO2 peak (R = 0.84, p < 0.001).

Key Result

The modified Six-Minute Walk Test demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.98) and significant concurrent validity with VO2 peak (R = 0.84, p < 0.001).

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=13)

Structured PICO

Does a modified Six-Minute Walk Test provide a valid and reliable assessment of cardiovascular fitness in adults with intellectual disability?

Population

13 adults with intellectual disability aged 18-44 years, with no medical contraindications to exercise, underwent a modified 6-minute walk test and graded maximal treadmill test.

Exposure

Modified Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) including familiarisation, a 1:1 pacer, and encouragement every 15 s.

Comparator

Graded maximal treadmill test measuring peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak).

Outcome

Test-retest reliability of the modified-6MWT and concurrent validity of walk distance with peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak).surrogate

A modified Six-Minute Walk Test is a highly reliable and valid tool for assessing cardiovascular fitness in adults with intellectual disability.

Main Result

Effect estimate: R = 0.84

p-value: p=< .001

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) has been used with clinical and healthy populations to assess functional capacity and cardiovascular fitness. The aim of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of a modified-6MWT as well as concurrent validity of walk distance with peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak). METHOD: Participants were 13 adults (males = 7) with intellectual disability aged 18-44 years recruited from Special Olympics, and with no medical contraindications to exercise. The 6MWT was modified to include familiarisation, a 1:1 pacer, and encouragement every 15 s. Each participant performed the graded maximal treadmill test and the modified-6MWT twice. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability of the modified-6MWT was ICC = .98, and linear regression revealed that the modified- 6MWT distance was significantly related to VO₂ peak (R = .84, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The modified-6MWT is easy to administer and score and shows acceptable validity and excellent reliability for assessing cardiovascular fitness in adults with intellectual disability.

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