1. What is the Six Minutes Walk Test Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps healthcare professionals assess functional exercise capacity, particularly in patients with cardiopulmonary conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The distance walked is divided by 360 seconds to calculate average walking speed in meters per second.

3. Importance of Gait Speed Measurement

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

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal six-minute walk distance?
A: Healthy adults typically walk 400-700 meters. Less than 300m indicates significant impairment.

Q2: Why six minutes?
A: Six minutes is long enough to assess functional capacity but short enough to be feasible for most patients.

Q3: How should the test be administered?
A: In a straight, flat 30m corridor with standardized encouragement at regular intervals.

Q4: What affects six-minute walk distance?
A: Age, gender, height, weight, comorbidities, and motivation can all influence results.

Q5: How can I improve my score?
A: Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, strength training, and treatment of underlying conditions may help.