Comparison of the studies investigating reliability shows that the 6MWT has good reproducibility .
The 6MWT demonstrates moderate correlation with peak VO(2 ) levels , and ability to predict VO(2 ) ( functional capacity ) dependent on distance walked .
Cut-off distances vary from 300 to 490 meters depending on the study ; if total distance walked remains equal or less than these values , the 6MWT retains its strong predictive value .
The 6MWT has good reliability , moderate validity , and a significant ability to predict functional capacity in patients with CHF who do not walk greater than 490 meters
PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability and validity of the six-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) with respect to its ability to predict functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure .
A comparison of the shuttle and 6 minute walking tests with measured peak oxygen consumption in patients with heart failure.
This study investigated the use of an incremental , externally-paced 10 m shuttle walk test ( SWT ) as an objective , reliable and predictive test of functional capacity in patients with heart failure ( CHF ) . The SWT was compared to a 6 minute walk test ( 6WT ) and a maximal symptom-limited treadmill peak oxygen consumption ( VO2peak ) test . Experiment 1 examined the reproducibility of the SWT . Two SWF trials were performed and distance ambulated ( DA ) , heart rate ( HR ) and  rate of perceived exertion ( RPE ) results compared . In experiment 2 , SWT , 6WT , and VO2 peak tests were performed and HR . RPE and ambulatory VO2 compared . The SWT demonstrated strong test/retest reliability for DA ( r = 0.98 ) . HR ( r = 0.96 ) and RPE ( r = 0.89 ) . Treadmill VO2 peak was significantly correlated with DA during the SWT ( r = 0.83 , P < 0.05 ) , but not the 6WT . SWT peak VO2 ( 18.5 + /- 1.8 ml.kg(-1 ) x min(-1 ) ) and treadmill VO2 peak ( 18.3 + /-2.0 ml.kg(-1 ) x min(-1 ) ) were also highly correlated ( r = 0.78 , P < 0.05 ) . Conversely , 6WT peak VO2 and treadmill VO2 peak were not significantly correlated . This study suggests the SWT is a reliable , objective test , highly predictive of VO2 peak which may be a more optimal field exercise test than the self paced 6WT
Comparison of the studies investigating reliability shows that the 6MWT has good reproducibility .
The 6MWT demonstrates moderate correlation with peak VO(2 ) levels , and ability to predict VO(2 ) ( functional capacity ) dependent on distance walked .
Cut-off distances vary from 300 to 490 meters depending on the study ; if total distance walked remains equal or less than these values , the 6MWT retains its strong predictive value .
The 6MWT has good reliability , moderate validity , and a significant ability to predict functional capacity in patients with CHF who do not walk greater than 490 meters
PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability and validity of the six-minute walk test ( 6MWT ) with respect to its ability to predict functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure .