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Six-minute walk test
6-minute walk test · 6MWT · walking test · walk exercise test
You walk along a hallway for 6 minutes at your own pace. The test measures how many meters you walked and how your pulse and oxygen change.
For lung and heart conditions, to check your stamina, choose treatment, or see how well it works.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 30 minutes including rest; the result is given right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
- Food. A light meal a couple of hours before the test. Do not come hungry.
- Medicines. You usually take your medicines as always. Ask your doctor.
- Exercise. No exercise for 2 hours before the test.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Comfortable shoes
- Your cane or walker, if you use one
- Your inhaler, if you have one
How it goes
- You rest sitting down for about 10 minutes
- Your blood pressure, pulse, and finger oxygen are checked
- You walk back and forth along the hallway for 6 minutes
- You can slow down or stop if it is hard
- Every minute, you are told how much time is left
- After the test, your pulse and oxygen are checked again
What you'll feel
- You may get short of breath and tired
- Your legs get tired. That is normal
Afterwards
- Sit for a few minutes after the test
- The result, the distance you walked, is given right away
- Your doctor will compare it with past tests
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness during the test: stop right away and tell staff
- Chest pain that does not go away with rest: call emergency services
Common questions
Do I need to run?
No. Walk fast, but at a pace that is comfortable for you. Running is not allowed.
Can I stop?
Yes. Rest and keep going when you can. The clock keeps running.