Six minute walk distance in healthy subjects aged 55–75 years

SummaryBackgroundThe six minute walk test (6MWT) is the most commonly used exercise test in pulmonary rehabilitation; however, the paucity of six minute walk distance (6MWD) reference values from population-based samples limits data interpretation in patients. This study was undertaken to determine 6MWD in a population-based sample of healthy subjects and to identify predictors of 6MWD in this group.MethodsSeventy Caucasian subjects (33 males) aged 55–75 years performed three tests using a standardised protocol. 6MWD was defined as the greatest distance achieved from the three tests. Other measurements included height, leg length, weight, forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), exhaled carbon monoxide and self-reported physical activity including habitual walking.ResultsThe average 6MWD was 659±62m (range 484–820m). Males walked 59±13m further than females (P<0.001). Height (r=0.54, P<0.01), weight (r=0.25, P<0.05) and FEV1 (r=0.48, P<0.001) were significantly correlated with 6MWD. Forwards stepwise multiple regression showed height (R2=0.294) and FEV1 (R2 change=0.045) to be independent predictors of 6MWD (P