Design and Cross-Validation of Native 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Prediction Equation in Iranian healthy Boys Aged 7 to 16 Years

Application and correct interpretation of the 6 minute walk test (6MWT) in medical, therapeutic and exercise setting requires normal values of the 6 minute walk distance (6MWD). The aim of this study was to develop and cross-validation of the 6MWD prediction equation in healthy children and adolescent boys.
After endorsement of validity and reliability of the 6MWT, anthropometric variables and 6MWD were measured in 391 boys (8-17 yrs) with standard methods. Pearson correlation was used to assess relationship between 6MWD with independent variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to design 6MWD prediction equation from dependent variables. Furthermore accuracy of present 6MWD prediction equation was cross-validate.
Significant correlation was found between 6MWD and anthropometric characteristics (p This is the first study about develop native 6MWD reference values. With application of this 6MWD prediction equation, physicians, physical therapists and fitness coaches can receive correct feedback of pharmacological, rehabilitation and exercise interventions.