053 McKinly Laboratory
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716-2590
Ph: (302) 831-8893
Fax: (302) 831-4468
www.udel.edu/PT
6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
1
2
Description: The 6MWT is used to assess aerobic capacity and walking function in geriatric populations.
Equipment: Stopwatch, rolling tape measure, long hallway or loop walkway
Patient Instructions: “This test screens your walking capacity. Cover as much ground as possible in 6 minutes.
While I want you to walk as fast possible, I want you to do so safely. You may rest at any point and sit if absolutely
necessary, but the clock will not stop so please start walking again as soon as you are able. To avoid limiting your
speed, we will refrain from conversation. I will walk with you and give you time updates. Ready? Begin.”
Therapist Instructions: Time the subject for 6 minutes, then say “stop.” Measure the distance walked.
Procedure:
Do
Walk behind the patient
Provide standardized encouragement every 30 seconds (i.e. “you’re
doing great” or “you’re doing fine” or “keep going”) and notify patient
of time remaining every minute (i.e. “5 min remaining”)
Utilize a standard tone of voice
Roll measurement wheel along the patient’s path and stop where
he/she stops.
Do NOT
Pace the patient (i.e. walk on their side)
Converse with the patient other than to give standard
encouragement, give time checkpoints, and to check symptom status.
Use an excited tone as to “cheer” the patient on
Roll the measurement wheel too close to the patient in case they stop
suddenly
STOP testing based on the following criteria:
1. C/o angina symptoms (chest pain or tightness)
2. Any of the following symptoms:

Light-headedness

Confusion

Ataxia, staggering unsteadiness

Pallor

Cyanosis

Nausea

Marked dyspnea

Unusual fatigue

Signs of peripheral circulatory insufficiency

Claudication or other significant pain

Facial expressions signifying distress
3. Abnormal cardiac responses

Systolic BP drops > 10 mmHg

Systolic BP rises to >250 mmHg

Diastolic BP rises to > 120 mmHg

Heart rate drops more than 15 beats per minute (given the patient was walking the last minutes of the test versus
resting)
* Please notify the physician if the test is terminated for any of these reasons.
Normative Data:
Age
Female
Male
1
60-64 yo
1557-2061
1746-2298
65-79 yo
1401-2007
1584-2202
Average Distance Walked in Feet (± 1 SD) per Age Group
For Older Adults3
70-74 yo
75-79 yo
80-84 yo
85-89 yo
1350-1938
1185-1869
1035-1737
891-1665
1530-2142
1287-2043
1212-1932
1005-1857
90-94 yo
693-1449
765-1653
Rikli R, Jones C. The reliability and validity of a 6-minute walk test as a measure of physical endurance in older adults. Journal of Aging and
Physical Activity. 1998;6(4):363-375.
2
Harada ND, Chiu V, Stewart AL. Mobility-related function in older adults: Assessment with a 6-minute walk test. Arch Phys Med Rehabil.
1999;80(7):837-841.
3
Rikli R, Jones C. Functional fitness normative scores for community-residing older adults, ages 60-94. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.
1999;7(2):162-181.
053 McKinly Laboratory
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716-2590
Ph: (302) 831-8893
Fax: (302) 831-4468
www.udel.edu/PT