Walk Test
WHAT IS THIS TEST?
The 6-minute walk test (or 6MWT by its acronym in English) is a cardiorespiratory effort test that is used for the diagnosis of asthma, COPD and pulmonary hypertension.
Currently, this test is also recommended for people who have suffered from Covid-19.
The 6-Minute Walk Test measures the maximum distance a person is able to walk on a flat surface for 6 minutes and, in this way, measure the patient’s exercise capacity and assess whether there is any type of limitation.
This test, as we have said before, is very useful when complementing a diagnosis and also for monitoring patients.
HOW IS IT DONE?
The patient must walk as far as possible in 6 minutes while recording possible drowning, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation.
To take the test, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and not to do any kind of exercise before the test, as well as not to eat too much for at least 2 hours before the test.