Reference Values and Determinants of 6-minute Walk Test

Reference Values and Determinants of 6-minute Walk Test Distance in Turkish Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

The first aim of this study was to investigate the reference values of 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance in patients with chronic stroke. The second aim was to determine the factors predicting 6MWT distance in patients with chronic stroke.

There may be large variations in the distance of 6MWT according to the stroke severity. Investigation of factors related to 6MWT may be helpful in determining and targeting appropriate strategies for gait rehabilitation. Accordingly, the first aim of this study was to investigate the reference values of 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance in patients with chronic stroke. The second aim was to determine the factors predicting 6MWT distance in patients with chronic stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Having first ever stroke
2. The time elapsed after the stroke is more than 6 months and less than 10 years
3. 18-80 years old
4. Those who could walk independently with no assistance or device and who could walk with an intermittent or continuous light touch to assist balance or coordination

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A history of severe musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, or psychiatric disease that can inhibit measurements
2. Patients who had received a neurologic diagnosis other than stroke, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
3. Patients with impaired level of consciousness and evidence of gross cognitive impairment (Scored below 10 points in the Mini-Mental State Examination