Functional assessment of exercise tolerance for ILD, pulmonary hypertension and rehab.
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple, standardised measure of exercise capacity and oxygen desaturation — essential for ILD, pulmonary hypertension, post-COVID assessment and rehabilitation tracking.
The Six-Minute Walk Test is a simple, low-cost sub-maximal exercise test used to measure how far a patient can walk on a flat, hard surface in six minutes. It objectively quantifies functional exercise capacity in chronic respiratory disease, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and post-COVID rehabilitation, and helps track disease progression or response to therapy over time.
Yes. It is a sub-maximal test conducted under continuous SpO₂ and heart-rate monitoring. Patients can slow down or stop at any time; supplemental oxygen is available on standby.
Plan for around 30–40 minutes in the clinic — this includes baseline vitals, the 6-minute walk itself, and the post-test recovery observation.
No fasting is required. Have a light meal two hours before and avoid heavy food, caffeine or smoking immediately before the test.
A distance below the predicted range, or a fall in SpO₂ of ≥4% during the walk, suggests limited functional capacity and may prompt further evaluation such as HRCT, echocardiography or exercise oximetry.
Yes — it is often repeated at 3, 6 or 12 month intervals to track disease progression, response to inhalers, oxygen therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation.
The information above is educational and does not replace an in-person consultation. For a personalised plan, book with Dr Saurabh Bhatt (MD Pulmonology) at Samarth Chest Hospital & ICU, 4th Floor, RK Casta, Bharuch — call +91 90161 12968 or WhatsApp us.