6 Minute Walk Test

Description

The object of the 6 minute walk test is for you to walk as far as possible in 6 minutes. You will walk back and forth in a hallway. Six minutes is a long time to walk, so you will be exerting yourself.   Some people get out of breath.  Some people may even feel exhausted. You are permitted to slow down, to stop, and to rest if necessary. You may lean against the wall while resting, but resume walking as soon as you are able.  You will wear an oxygen monitor on your wrist/finger while you walk. The 6 minute walk test is a test of your functional ability and the result is the distance you walk in those 6 minutes.  If you have had this test done in the past, it is particularly helpful when your doctor compares your current 6 minute walk distance to the distance done on your previous test.

Instructions

• Take all your medications as you normally would.
• Wear comfortable clothes for walking.
• Wear shoes (preferably sneakers) that are comfortable for walking.
• Do not eat a heavy meal just prior to testing.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking the day of the test.
• Please bring along any walking aids you use regularly: walkers, canes, etc.
• If you wear oxygen at home all the time or with exertion, please bring your portable unit with you.

If you have any questions about the test or the instructions, please call the office (610) 685-5864, and ask to talk to someone in the pulmonary function lab..