1. What is the Six Minute Walk Test Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines gait speed from the distance walked during a 6-minute walk test.

Purpose: It helps healthcare professionals assess functional exercise capacity and mobility in patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( GS \) — Gait speed (meters/second)
• \( D \) — Distance walked (meters) in 6 minutes

Explanation: The distance walked in 6 minutes (360 seconds) is divided by time to calculate average gait speed.

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

Details: Gait speed is a strong predictor of functional status, hospitalizations, and mortality in older adults and patients with chronic conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total distance walked during the 6-minute test in meters. The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal gait speed?
A: Typical comfortable gait speed is about 1.2-1.4 m/s for healthy adults, but decreases with age and certain medical conditions.

Q2: Why use 6 minutes instead of shorter tests?
A: The 6-minute walk test better reflects functional endurance for daily activities than shorter tests.

Q3: How should the test be conducted?
A: Patients walk as far as possible in 6 minutes along a measured course, with standard encouragement given each minute.

Q4: What factors affect 6-minute walk distance?
A: Age, height, weight, gender, motivation, and medical conditions all influence the results.

Q5: How can I improve my gait speed?
A: Regular exercise, strength training, balance exercises, and proper medical management of conditions can help improve gait speed.