WHY DO THE DOCTORS RECOMMEND 6MWT? July 02, 2021

WHY DO THE DOCTORS RECOMMEND 6MWT?

6 Mile-walk test is a test carried out by doctors to examine the activity level of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases and illnesses. This is considered one of the most practical and easy to perform tests.

 

                                           6 Minute Walk Test

 

There are a number of apparatus and tools that an individual might require to carry out the test. This is a test commonly referred to by the doctors.

WHAT DOES 6MWT REFER TO?


The trend of performing this test is interestingly increasing because of the significance of the test and its usefulness. It is considered to be the fastest way to examine the aerobic activity and exercise capacity of the patients.

The doctors recommend the 6-mile walk test for the purpose of examining your heart function along with how your lungs function. This test is especially performed on the patients which have a medical history.

The test is also performed on the patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, scleroderma and fibromyalgia. The test however, is not restricted to adults but rather is performed upon kids, with doubts of a chronic respiratory or heart issue.



WHAT DO THE DOCTORS GET AS A RESULT FROM PERFORMING THE TEST AND HOW ARE THE RESULTS INTERPRETED?


The results obtained from the test are compared with the results of the healthy people or the expected results of the people of the same age group having the same weight and height. If the individual’s activity level is lesser than the expected, it is confirmed that the person might be having a chronic respiratory or heart issue.

 

                           walk test graph


WHAT DOES ONE NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE PERFORMING THE 6-MILE WALK TEST?


-You do not have to run, rather walk at a normal pace to perform the test.
-Emergency situations might be faced and for this, the mobile phone must be carried by the person who is getting the test performed.
-Your blood pressure will be measured before the activity starts.
-A pulse oximeter will be used to check your pulse and oxygen level.
-Stop the activity right away in case you feel out of breath and uncomfortable.
-You can take the rest for a few minutes. It is completely normal.
-If you feel chest pain during the test, immediately report it to the tester.