Many chronic conditions necessitate essential tests to evaluate a person’s physical abilities. The 6-minute walking test is simple yet vital for many individuals, and it can be administered to children as young as six and adults up to 65 to assess their stamina and exercise tolerance. In Lebanon, 47% of deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease, which is the most common disease in the country. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is spreading worldwide, with a prevalence of nearly 9.7 % in the adult population in Lebanon.
Before the other tests, 6MWT is referred to as the first examination of physical health. In the country, medical guidance is accessible to all, whether at home or in clinics. During the test, a medical expert monitors the patient’s abilities and oxygen levels. Shortness of breath and fatigue are concerning signs for any individual. Here are some purposes of the test:
- Indicates the overall fitness and ability to perform daily activities.
- The test evaluates a person’s tolerance for exercise, their stamina, and limitations.
- Before the treatment, the test is useful for understanding the health condition.
- After the medication, the test tells about the changes in the body and capacity.
- The main purpose of it is to understand the health of the lungs and the heart.
The Importance of 6MWT and Its Key Points
In medical laboratory test services, an assessment that doctors use to determine a person’s exercise and activity ability is called the 6-minute walk test (6mwt). This essential and low-risk test ensures it can not harm anyone and lasts for 6 minutes to evaluate the physical condition of patients. It measures the functional ability of patients with certain health conditions. How much distance a person can cover tells about the activity capacity and effectiveness of the treatment suggested by the doctors. Here are some key points:
- The test can be self-based, but the standards, placement, and instructions improve the results.
- Total scores will be based on the distance the patient covers.
- A person can rest, sit, or stand, but the timer will keep running, and the total time will be counted within six minutes.
- Professional assistance is required to get accurate results and understanding.
- During the test, other individuals avoid walking with the subject, but they can step back from them.
- Talking to the patient during the test is prohibited for better focus.
Who should take the Six-Minute Walk Test?
The walk test is a basic assessment used to understand the health status of chronic diseases. It provides information about oxygen levels, heart health, and the aerobic capacity of patients. Although everyone should take this test regularly, in some serious health problems, people adopt this test.
Cardiovascular Patients
The 6MWT not only describes your general fitness but also your heart’s response during the walk. It is a non-invasive test with low risk. Doctors recommend entering the room and focusing on walking as much as possible. After the test, the physicians assess the patient’s heart health and may recommend another test or treatment.
Lungs Patients(COPD)
People with lung issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often take the six-minute walk test to assess the function and condition of their lungs. It is a quick way to evaluate how well their lungs work and whether they require treatment. This test is conducted indoors and must check three things before starting walking:
- Pulse rate
- Oxygen level
- Blood pressure
People with a muscle or neurological disorder
There are several medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis(MS), Parkinson’s disease, and stroke, which are neurological disorders or muscular diseases like dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, or other related conditions, that require basic 6mwt. In these disorders, patients find walking difficult and tiring, so doctors recommend this test to assess the neurological stability and strength of the muscles. The test can occur before and after the treatment of these disorders, allowing doctors to check whether the patients’ conditions are improving or worsening. They walk for 6 minutes, and the doctors measure their overall condition.
People with obesity issues
In 2017, a survey in Lebanon indicated that 38% of adults were overweight. The modern lifestyle has led to obesity in people, which is the root of various other diseases. Overweight individuals are often perceived as lazy and inactive. This 6-minute walking test potentially predicts heart health and overall condition in individuals, as well as their activity levels. Based on the test measurements, physicians recommend further steps for improving health.
Older Adults
Older adults often face health issues and experience fatigue while walking. This test helps them not only measure their health conditions and chronic disease indicators but also keeps them active and motivated.
Step-by-Step Procedure & Guidelines of 6MWT
The test is simple and ordinary for people. It is based on medical issue assessments for different individuals; they can also take this test to learn about the physical condition of their bodies. Here is the proper procedure:
Preparations for the test
The person should wear loose, comfortable clothes and well-fitting, easy-to-walk shoes. He should have his walking aid if he feels weak or is hesitant to walk. The oxygen delivery device should accompany him if he uses one. The patient should rest adequately before starting the walk. Heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure should be checked before the test.
Setup
The test requires a flat, solid surface for walking, and it should be set up indoors in a room or corridor. The starting and finishing points should be clearly marked. Place chairs for resting and ensure that the wall is not too far away if the patient wants to stand nearby.
Instructions for both the patient and the Assessor
The assessor should guide the patient to walk as fast as he can, but not to run or jog. Keep encouraging the patient with phrases like “Bravo, you can do it!” and “Good job!” etc. The patient can stop if he feels tired or breathless and rest, but the timer will keep running. No specific aid is required for the patient, as it is quite a simple test.
Results and after the Test
Recording the test is mandatory to maintain a record of it. The doctor noted and documented the vital signs, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate, as they functioned during the walk and their condition. The after-test determines whether a patient needs follow-ups or to start other medical treatments. Overall, the 6-minute walk test is a straightforward method to assess the physical endurance and medical conditions of the patients.
