Six-minute walk test
The six-minute walk test is a simple test to measure your exercise capacity. It looks at the walking distance you can cover in six minutes.
Preparation
No specific preparation is required for the test. However, it is best to wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. The test can be part of pneumological rehabilitation.
Course
During the test, you step as far as you can over a marked distance in six minutes. If necessary, you may use an aid (walker, cane,...) A saturation meter is attached to your wrist that registers the oxygen level in the blood. Your heart rate is also measured during the test. The examination takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The physical therapist will note the distance you have traveled.
If you are given supplemental oxygen, the pulmonologist will determine whether you take the test with or without this supplemental oxygen.
Departments
For more information about this study, contact the rehabilitation team.