1. What is a Six Minute Walking Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates gait speed (walking speed) based on the distance walked during a six-minute walking test.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( GS \) — Gait speed (meters/second)
• \( D \) — Distance walked (meters)
• 360 — Time in seconds (6 minutes × 60 seconds)

Explanation: The distance walked in 6 minutes is divided by 360 seconds to calculate average walking speed.

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

Details: Gait speed is a key indicator of mobility, functional status, and overall health, particularly in older adults and patients with chronic conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal gait speed?
A: For healthy older adults, normal gait speed is typically >1.0 m/s, while <0.6 m/s may indicate mobility impairment.

Q2: How is the six-minute walking test performed?
A: Patients walk as far as possible in 6 minutes along a measured course, with standardized encouragement.

Q3: What factors affect gait speed?
A: Age, height, muscle strength, joint function, neurological conditions, and cardiorespiratory fitness all influence gait speed.

Q4: Why use six minutes for the test?
A: Six minutes provides a balance between being long enough to assess endurance but short enough to be practical in clinical settings.

Q5: How can gait speed results be used?
A: Results help assess functional status, monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and predict health outcomes.