6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Overview The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple and practical test used to assess a person's aerobic capacity and endurance. It measures the distance an individual can walk quickly on a flat, hard surface in six minutes. Purpose of 6MWT Check oxygen desaturation while walking.Evaluate functional capacity.Assess exercise tolerance.Monitor the response to medical interventions.Predict morbidity and mortality. Procedure After explaining the procedure in detail, the baseline vitals of the patients are noted. Then, the patient is asked to walk on a flat surface and his/her pulse and oxygen saturation are monitored simultaneously. The patient can take a break/stop if he/she feels tired and/or breathless. Once six minutes are completed, the patients’ vitals are checked again and the total distance walked is measured. Interpretation The total distance walked is compared with normative data based on age, sex, and health status.A shorter distance walked may indicate reduced functional capacity, which could be due to various conditions, such as cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, musculoskeletal problems, or general deconditioning.A fall in the oxygen level usually indicates a lung pathology.