Key result
6MWT establishes a mean reference distance of ~615 meters in healthy young women.
Why the study?
Reference values for the Six Minute Walk Test in healthy young women were not established to assess functional capacity.
Observational (n=100)
This study establishes reference values for the Six Minute Walk Test in healthy young women, which can aid in the clinical evaluation of functional capacity.
May support 6MWT interpretation in young women; extends normative data but leaves open validation in broader cohorts.
Objectives: The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) assesses functional capacity. We determined the reference range distance walked, heart rate change, and breathlessness in healthy women. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: 100 nulliparous women aged 18-40 performed two 6MWTs, with the second performed after heart rate returned to baseline. Borg scales compared expected and true breathlessness. Results: Reference range was 472-758 m, with distance mean (SD) of 615 (73.0) metres. Heart rate increase during exercise was 11 (11.8) beats per minute, recovering to baseline in 4.5 (3.9) minutes. 63 % of women overestimated breathlessness. Conclusions: These data represent reference values for functional evaluation of healthy young women.
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Spicer et al. (2024) conducted an observational in Healthy (n=100). Six Minute Walk Test was evaluated on Distance walked, heart rate change, and breathlessness. The Six Minute Walk Test in healthy young women established a reference range distance of 472-758 m (mean 615 m) and a mean heart rate increase of 11 beats per minute.
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