Female Narrator: 6 Minute Walk Test
(Narrator reads slide titled “Purpose.”)
Purpose.
The 6 Minute Walk Test measures the distance a patient can walk on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes.
This test is suitable for patients who can walk with moderate or less assistance for 6 minutes.
It is a self-paced test and subjects may stop to rest.
The 6 Minute Walk Test assesses the sub-maximal level of functional capacity and evaluates the response of the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems, in addition to the functional level of motor control, neuromuscular units and muscles of the patient.
It is recommended that the walking course be 30 meters in length, marked at every 3meters, and have the turnaround point marked with a cone.
(Clip featuring a man with SCI performing the 6 Minute Walk Test with an administrator watching nearby.)
The administrator of the test reports the total distance walked by the patient, rounding to the nearest meter, as well as the patient’s fatigue level.
People who administer the test should be trained before performing the test alone, and should have CPR training.
(Slide titled “The Walking Course Should be” with the following bullet points: free of obstacles, 30 meters in length, marked every 3 meters, and marked by cone at the turn around point.)
The walking course should be free of obstacles.
Walking devices can be used, but should remain consistent when the test is performed again.
Before the beginning of the test, the patient should be advised to cover as much ground as possible over 6 minutes, to walk in a continuous manner if possible, and that the goal is to feel that no more ground could have been covered at the end of the test.
(Narrator read slide titled “Equipment Required.”)
Equipment required.
The administration of this test requires a countdown timer, a mechanical lap counter, cones to mark the turnaround, and a chair that can be easily moved along the walking course.
(Note appears indicating that the American Thoracic Society 6MWT Guidelines recommends that a phone, oxygen and defibrillator be accessible for safety.)
(Transition to slide titled “Interpretation” with its contents narrated.)
Interpretation.
A change of 45.8 meters us required to detect change beyond measurement error.
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(Words “This video was made possible through the support of” appear with the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and Rick Hansen Institute logos below.)
(“Thank You” appears followed by a list of names: Madeline Hannan-Leith, Vanessa Noonan, William Miller, KarineBoily, The SCIRE team, Kim Vanwik, Shannon Sproule, Riley Inge, Kirsten Sharp, and Peter Chisholm.)