Key result
The 6-minute walk test offers a viable alternative to stress testing despite protocol-dependent variability.
Why the study?
Lower 6MW distances have been associated with adverse outcomes in heart failure, but the test's reliability, validity, and responsiveness require evaluation.
Is the 6-minute walk test a reliable, valid, and responsive measure of functional capacity in patients with heart failure?
Population
Patients with heart failure
Comparison
6MW test vs cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing
Design
Literature review
Authors
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6MWT may offer practical alternative when stress testing unavailable; leaves open need for protocol standardization in larger studies.
Is the 6-minute walk test a reliable, valid, and responsive measure of functional capacity in patients with heart failure?
The 6-minute walk test is a viable alternative to stress testing for objectively evaluating functional capacity in some settings, despite limitations in reliability and responsiveness.
Vuckovic et al. (2011) conducted a review in Heart failure. 6-min walk test vs. Cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing was evaluated. The 6-minute walk test is a viable alternative to stress testing for objectively evaluating functional capacity, though reliability is affected by learning effects and protocol deviations.
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