6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Reference Values
Assesses functional exercise capacity. Calculates predicted 6MWT distance and interprets measured distance as percentage predicted.
Score interpretation
Severe functional limitation (<300 m). Associated with high mortality in heart failure and COPD.
→ Urgent cardiopulmonary review; consider rehabilitation referral.
Moderate functional impairment. NYHA class III equivalent.
→ Pulmonary/cardiac rehabilitation; optimise medical therapy.
Mild functional limitation. NYHA class II–III equivalent.
→ Supervised exercise programme; regular monitoring.
Walk distance within normal range for age and sex.
→ Maintain physical activity; reassess if symptoms worsen.
Interpretation bands for the 6MWT. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- ATS Committee on Proficiency Standards. ATS statement: guidelines for the six-minute walk test. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002;166(1):111-117.
- Enright PL, Sherrill DL. Reference equations for the six-minute walk in healthy adults. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1998;158(5 Pt 1):1384-1387.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Sepsis Screening and Sepsis Six · UK Sepsis Trust; NICE NG51; Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021
- Unintentional Weight Loss Workup · NICE NG12; BSG
- Chronic Fatigue Workup · NICE NG206; BMJ Best Practice
- Lymphadenopathy Workup · NICE NG12; BMJ Best Practice
- Pre-op Medical Clearance · NICE NG45; ESC 2022
- Secondary Hypertension Workup · NICE NG136; ESH 2023
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.