ABSTRACT

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) comprehensively evaluates the respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal and sensorineural responses to exercise. Functional integration is analyzed by the maximum distance that an individual is able to walk, as fast as possible, during a period of six minutes. The 6MWT is a reliable tool for the diagnosis, staging, prognosis and follow-up of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This document unifies the 2002 and 2014 international recommendations and provides information needed to standardize the 6 MWT.

KEYWORDS

Six-minute walk test, standardization, procedure, lung function.

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