6-Minute Walk Test in Palamós

The 6-minute walk test to assess functional capacity and exercise tolerance

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In short

Clínica Eupnea offers 6-Minute Walk Test in Palamós (Baix Empordà, Girona, Spain), with Dr Berta Avilés, specialist in Pulmonology. The 6-minute walk test to assess functional capacity and exercise tolerance.

Passeig del Mar, 41, Baixos — 17230 Palamós, Girona. Appointments on +34 872 21 75 91, Monday to Friday 09:00–13:30 and 15:30–19:30.

What Is the 6-Minute Walk Test?

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a functional test that measures the distance a patient covers while walking for 6 minutes. It is designed to assess exercise tolerance, dyspnoea, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation during submaximal exercise.

At Clinica Eupnea, the walk test is an essential tool in the assessment of patients with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, carried out under specialised medical supervision.

What Is Measured?

Distance Covered

The total distance walked in metres during the 6 minutes is recorded. This figure is compared with reference values adjusted for the patient's age, sex, height and weight, making it possible to determine the degree of functional limitation.

Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

By means of a pulse oximeter, oxygen saturation is continuously monitored during the test. A significant desaturation (a drop of ≥ 4%) may indicate the need for oxygen therapy or for further diagnostic investigation.

Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

They are measured before, during and after the test to assess the haemodynamic response to exertion. Significant abnormalities may point towards concomitant cardiovascular pathology.

Dyspnoea Scale (Borg Scale)

The patient indicates their degree of breathing difficulty and leg fatigue on a scale of 0 to 10, before and after the test. This quantifies the subjective perception of exertion.

Indications

The walk test is especially recommended in:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Heart failure
  • Pre-surgical assessment
  • Monitoring of respiratory and cardiac rehabilitation
  • Assessment of the need for oxygen therapy

Procedure

The test is carried out in a flat 30-metre corridor. The patient walks at their own pace, with the possibility of resting if needed. They are monitored throughout the process with a pulse oximeter. Blood pressure and heart rate are measured before and after. The total duration, including preparation and recovery, is approximately 20 minutes.