Exercise testing

🚶 6-Minute Walk Test

Calculates predicted 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) using the Enright–Sherrill reference equations, reports percent-predicted against the lower limit of normal, and drafts an interpretation you can paste into a note.

Patient & test data

Reference equations validated for adults ~40–80 years.

Optional

Result

Enter patient data and distance, then press Calculate.

Reference & notes

Predicted 6MWD (Enright & Sherrill, 1998):

SexPredicted distance (m)
Male(7.57 × htcm) − (5.02 × age) − (1.76 × wtkg) − 309
Female(2.11 × htcm) − (2.29 × wtkg) − (5.78 × age) + 667

Lower limit of normal = predicted − 153 m (men) / − 139 m (women). A drop in SpO₂ ≥ 4% or nadir < 88% is generally considered significant exertional desaturation.

Alternate — Troosters (1999): 218 + (5.14 × htcm) − (5.32 × age) − (1.80 × wtkg) + (51.31 × [male = 1]); LLN ≈ predicted − 153 m. Peak-HR % uses the age-predicted maximum (220 − age).

Clinical decision support only. The Enright–Sherrill norms were derived in healthy adults aged 40–80; apply cautiously outside this range. Interpretation depends on standardized test conduct (encouragement, course length, supplemental O₂ status). Verify against the full clinical picture.

References: Enright PL, Sherrill DL. Reference equations for the six-minute walk in healthy adults. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1998;158:1384–1387. · Troosters T, et al. Eur Respir J 1999;14:270–274. · ATS Statement: guidelines for the six-minute walk test, 2002.