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What is a 6-minute walking test (know what it can predict)?

The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, yet effective clinical tool used to assess the functional exercise capacity of patients, particularly those with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD, heart failure, or pulmonary hypertension. During the test, a patient is asked to walk as far as possible in six minutes on a flat, hard surface, typically a 30-meter stretch. This test measures the distance covered, which can predict the patient's overall health status, exercise tolerance, and response to medical interventions. It helps in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, tracking disease progression, and can even predict mortality and hospitalization rates in certain conditions. The test is valued for its simplicity, low cost, and minimal equipment requirements, making it accessible in various healthcare settings. However, factors like age, gender, height, weight, and motivation can influence the results, and thus, standardized protocols are used to ensure consistency.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/other/what-is-a-6-minute-walking-test-know-what-it-can-predict/ar-AA1vTgdY ]