Qualitative analysis indicated moderate evidence for repeatability of the 6MWT in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation , for a 2 % to 8 % learning effect between repeated 6MWTs , for a relationship between peak heart rate during the 6MWT and during cycle exercise at the ventilatory threshold , and for moderate-to-high correlation between the 6-minute walk distance and maximum metabolic equivalents achieved on symptom-limited exercise tests .
Strong evidence suggests that the 6MWT is responsive to clinical change following cardiac rehabilitation .
BACKGROUND The  6-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) is a common outcome measurement in cardiac rehabilitation .
However , a search of the literature found no established guidelines for use of the 6MWT in cardiac rehabilitation .
OBJECTIVES Systematic review of the validity , reliability and responsiveness of the 6MWT in cardiac rehabilitation .
Exercise training improves overall physical fitness and quality of life in older women with coronary artery disease.
BACKGROUND Older women with coronary artery disease ( CAD ) have reduced peak aerobic power ( Vo(2)peak ) , muscle strength , and quality of life ( QOL ) . Exercise interventions that can improve Vo(2)peak and muscle strength may also result in an improvement in QOL . This study compared the effect of aerobic training ( AT ) or combined aerobic and strength training ( COMT ) on Vo(2)peak , distance walked in 6 min , upper- and lower-extremity maximal strength , and QOL in 18 women ( age range , 60 to 80 years ) with documented CAD . METHODS After baseline testing , subjects were r and omly assigned to AT ( treadmill and cycle exercise , n = 9 ) or COMT ( treadmill and cycle exercise plus upper- and lower-extremity strength training , n = 9 ) , and each group exercised 3 d/wk for 8 weeks . RESULTS Both AT and COMT result ed in a similar increase in Vo(2)peak , distance walked in 6 min , lower-extremity strength , and emotional and global QOL . COMT improved upper-extremity strength , and physical and social QOL , which was unchanged after AT . CONCLUSIONS Older women with CAD should perform aerobic and strength training to attain optimal improvements in overall physical fitness and QOL
Qualitative analysis indicated moderate evidence for repeatability of the 6MWT in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation , for a 2 % to 8 % learning effect between repeated 6MWTs , for a relationship between peak heart rate during the 6MWT and during cycle exercise at the ventilatory threshold , and for moderate-to-high correlation between the 6-minute walk distance and maximum metabolic equivalents achieved on symptom-limited exercise tests .
Strong evidence suggests that the 6MWT is responsive to clinical change following cardiac rehabilitation .
BACKGROUND The  6-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) is a common outcome measurement in cardiac rehabilitation .
However , a search of the literature found no established guidelines for use of the 6MWT in cardiac rehabilitation .
OBJECTIVES Systematic review of the validity , reliability and responsiveness of the 6MWT in cardiac rehabilitation .