Six Minute Walk Test – How is this done?

Six Minute Walk Test measures how far you can walk in 6 minutes on a hard, flat surface. Before, during, and after the test, you will have the following measurements:

• Blood pressure.
• Heart rate.
• The amount of oxygen in your blood (oxygen saturation).
• Level of breathlessness (dyspnea score).

You may have this test to help determine how severe your breathing problem is and how it affects your ability to exercise. This test can also be used to check how well your pulmonary rehabilitation program or medicines are working.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Any problems you have with your legs, hips, or back.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Shortness of breath.
• Abnormal heart rate.
• Dizziness or fainting.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider if you should take your medicines on the day of your test. This includes any inhaled medicines.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking restrictions. This may include:
  • Eating a light meal two or more hours before your test.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Bring along any assistive walking devices, such as a cane or walker. It is likely that you will use them during your test.
• Do not do vigorous exercise during the 2 hours before your test.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Using these before the test may interfere with the test results.

What happens during the procedure?

• Before the exercise part of the test, you will sit and rest for a few minutes. Your blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and dyspnea score will be measured.
• A timer will be started. You may be instructed to:
  • Walk on a hard, flat surface for 6 minutes.
  • Wear a portable oxygen monitor while you are walking.
  • Do a different type of exercise for a different length of time.
• The distance that you walk within the given time period will be recorded.
• After the test, the same measurements that were taken before the test will be taken again.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• You may return to your normal diet, medicines, and activities as directed by your health care provider.
• Your health care provider will go over your test results with you and recommend treatments.
• You may need to have this test done again to check how well your treatments are working.

Summary

• The 6-minute walk test measures how far you can walk in 6 minutes on a hard, flat surface.
• You may have this test to determine how severe your breathing problem is and how well your treatments are working.
• Before the exercise part of the test, you will sit and rest for a few minutes. Your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and level of breathlessness will be measured. These measurements will be taken again after the test.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your test results mean.