What is Six-Minute Walk Test?
The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, standardised test of exercise capacity. You walk at your own pace along a flat corridor for six minutes while your oxygen saturation and heart rate are monitored. It helps assess disease severity, need for oxygen and response to treatment.
Why it is done
- COPD and interstitial lung disease assessment
- Evaluation for oxygen therapy
- Pre-operative and rehabilitation assessment
- Pulmonary hypertension follow-up
Before the procedure
- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
- Use your usual medicines unless instructed otherwise
- Bring any walking aid you normally use
During the procedure
- You walk back and forth along a measured course
- You may slow down or rest if needed
- Oxygen saturation, heart rate and breathlessness are recorded
After the procedure
- Rest briefly; your results are reviewed with you
Safety & risks
The test is safe for most people. It is stopped if you develop chest pain, severe breathlessness or significant drop in oxygen levels.
Preparation instructions may differ for individual patients — please follow the specific advice given at your consultation.