Evaluation of Validity and Reliability of Diagnostic 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in the Measurment of Cardio-Respiratory Efficiency with Gass Exchage Analysis in Boys

Background and Application of standard field tests for measurement of the physiological abilities of elite athletes, clinical conditions and/or diseases rehabilitations, can be as an outstanding tool for cardiorespiratory fitness evaluation. The aim of this study was to evaluate validity and reproducibility of the 6 minute walk test (6MWT) in healthy children and adolescent boys.
Subjects and Actual peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured in modified Buruce protocol with gass exchange analysis in 349 healthy boys (8-17 yrs). Six- minute walk distance (6MWD) and anthropometric variables were measured with standard methods. Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess concurrent validity and reproducibility of the 6MWT respectively.
Concurrent validity of the 6MWT was confirmed by good correlation between 6MWD and VO2peak (r=0.638, p This is the first study about validity and reproducibility of the 6MWT in Iranian boys. With application of the 6MWT, physicians, physical therapists exercise coaches will receive a simple, inexpensive and safe assessment tool to evaluate functional exercise capacity in healthy and sick children and adolescents.