Reference values for the 6-min walk test in healthy subjects 20-50 years old.

Summary ln 102 heatthy Caucasians, 20-50 years otd, we investigated the effect of anthropometrics on the 6-min walk test (6MWT), in order to provide reference vatues for watk distance (6MWD), oxygen saturation (SpOr), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR), breathlessness perception (VAS) and for the watking distance and body weight product (DW). The mean 6MWD and DW vatues were 593f 57 and 638+44m (P<0.01) and 35,030+5306 and 48,882t6555kgm (P<0.01 ), respectivety for women and for men. White watking, SpO2 remained unattered and subjects reached 67 +107" of their maximal predicted heart rate and a RR mean vatue of '19+4bpm. VAS ratings were significantty higher in femates as compared to males (74+15 vs. '18*5mm, P<0.05), however, when corrected for PR change white walking, they were not different. The equation by stepwise muttipl.e regression anatysis inctuded height, age and gender for the 6MWD and accounted for 42% of the tota[ variance. This study confirms the retevant effect of anthropometrics on watking capacity and suggests that when rating dyspnea, the change in heart rate during watking shoutd be considered. O 2006 Etsevier Ltd. Att rights reserved.