Current data confirm that the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT are valid , reliable and responsive to change with some interventions .
However , results are sensitive to small changes in methodology .
Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity , assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases .
In recent years , there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test ( 6MWT ) , and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests ( ISWT and ESWT , respectively ) .
The aim of this document is to describe the st and ard operating procedures for the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT , which can be consistently employed by clinicians and research ers .
Six-Minute Walk Test as an Outcome Measure: Are Two Six-Minute Walk Tests Necessary Immediately After Pulmonary Rehabilitation and at Three-Month Follow-up?
Spencer LM , Alison JA , McKeough ZJ :  Six-minute walk test as an outcome measure : are two six-minute walk tests necessary immediately after pulmonary rehabilitation and at three-month follow-up ? Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2008;87:224–228.A 3-mo prospect i ve , longitudinal , repeated- measures study was undertaken in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) . The study aim ed to determine whether there was a difference in 6-min walk distance ( 6MWD ) when two 6-min walk tests were performed after pulmonary rehabilitation ( n = 44 ) and at 3-mo follow-up ( n = 40 ) , and whether the results reflected the program outcomes . There was a significant increase in 6MWD between two 6-min walk tests before rehabilitation ( P < 0.001 ) , and at 3-mo follow-up ( P < 0.001 ) , but not immediately after rehabilitation ( P = 0.1 ) . In terms of program outcomes , there was an increase in 6MWD from before to after pulmonary rehabilitation ( P < 0.001 ) ; however , the increase was greater if the better of two tests was reported .  Six-minute walk tests  performed twice before and after pulmonary rehabilitation programs and at 3-mo follow-up assessment s ensure accuracy of measurement of the 6MWD and program outcomes
Current data confirm that the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT are valid , reliable and responsive to change with some interventions .
However , results are sensitive to small changes in methodology .
Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity , assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases .
In recent years , there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test ( 6MWT ) , and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests ( ISWT and ESWT , respectively ) .
The aim of this document is to describe the st and ard operating procedures for the 6MWT , ISWT and ESWT , which can be consistently employed by clinicians and research ers .