PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

• The object of this test is to walk as far as possible for 6 minutes. You will walk back and forth in your hallway or your pre identified space. Six minutes is a long time to walk, so you will be exerting yourself. You will probably get out of breath or become exhausted. You are permitted to slow down, to stop, and to rest as necessary. You may lean against the wall while resting, but resume walking as soon as you are able.
• Do not perform the 6 min walk test, if your Resting Pulse is more than 120 Beats Per Min, or if your Blood Pressure is high! For Eg- if the blood pressure has shot upto 180/ 100 or so.
• Your Systolic Blood Pressure usually increases as a normal response in patients with respiratory problems as well as in normal individuals after the 6MWT.

INTERPRETATIONS

• An increase in the distance walked between 2 tests indicates improvement in basic mobility and this parameter is the most significant out come from the 6 Min Walk Test.
• The baseline saturation (Pre Test) on Oximeter should not be below 94%
• After six minutes, if the oxygen level does not go down the individual will be considered healthy. There is no need to worry even if the oxygen level dips by 1% or 2%.
• If the oxygen level drops by more than 3%, this could be an indication of Oxygen Desaturation and the patient needs continued medical help.
• If the Post Test SPO2 goes below 90%, it indicates a need for urgent medical care.
• By splitting the test into six different components where each minute is a different data point, researchers discovered that the 6MWT can identify any malfunctions in the neuromuscular junctions. Also by comparing the distance covered in the first and the last minute suggested how much the fatigue has influenced the individual.