Six-minute walk test in cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple and safe tool for assessing exercise tolerance in various categories of patients. Currently, 6MWT is used to assess the functional status of a patient and determine the strategy of increasing physical activity, primarily in patients with reduced exercise tolerance and contraindications for cardiopulmonary exercise test. The basic requirements for the 6MWT are presented, taking into account the factors affecting its informativeness and accuracy, as well as the interpretation of results. The diagnostic and prognostic value of 6MWT in different categories of patients are discussed. The prospects for 6MWT use in cardiac rehabilitation for planning rehabilitation program, prescribing exercises, determining the risk of complications, and evaluating the effectiveness are considered. The limitations of 6MWT and ways to overcome it, as well as directions for further research are presented.