Comparing the use of mathematical calculation to a measuring wheel to determine distance walked in three different course configurations of the 6 minute Walk Test in healthy adults

Figures & data

Figure 1. Course layout for the three configurations. Configuration A represents the ANPT OM CPG recommended course, configuration B represents the ATS recommended course, and configuration C represents a course layout from which configuration A was adapted.

Figure 2. Mean walking distance comparison between methods of measurements during three 6 Minute Walk Test configurations. Note: each comparison was a statistically significant difference (p<.001). A = 12-meter straight walkway; B = 30-meter straight walkway; C = 1.2-meter by 12-meter rectangular walkway; Calc: mathematical calculation; Wheel: measuring wheel.

Table 1. Standardized instructions.

The aim of this test is to walk as far as possible for 6 min. You will walk back and forth in the pattern described to you prior. Six minutes is a long time to walk, so you will be exerting yourself. You may get out of breath or become tired. You are allowed to slow down, to stop, and to rest as necessary. You may come to a complete stop but resume walking as soon as you are able. You are not permitted to sit during a rest break. If you must sit, the test will be over. Do you understand the instructions? I am going to follow behind you with this measuring wheel to track your distance. Remember the aim is to walk as far as possible in 6 min, but do not run or jog. Start now or when you are ready.

Table 2. Mean difference between two methods of measurements during three 6MWT course configurations.

Configuration	Method of measurement	Mean distance (m)	Mean difference (m)	p	Effect size (d)
A	Calculation	467.46 (67.89)	−47.64 (14.02)	<.001*	0.70
	Wheel	515.10 69.16)
B	Calculation	521.35 (72.88)	−26.77 (8.01)	<.001*	0.37
	Wheel	548.12 (73.46)
C	Calculation	489.03 (65.25)	−43.18 (15.47)	<.001*	0.64
	Wheel	532.21 (70.63)

*Statistically significant difference, p<.001.

A = 12-meter straight walkway.

B = 30-meter straight walkway.

C = 1.2-meter by 12-meter rectangular walkway.

Table 3. Pairwise comparisons of three 6MWT course configurations using two different methods of measurements.

Comparisons	Mean difference (m)	p	Effect size (d)
Calculation
A – B	−53.89 (4.90)	<.001*	0.77
B – C	32.32 (4.19)	<.001*	0.47
A – C	−21.57 (4.45)	<.001*	0.32
Wheel
A – B	−33.02 (4.52)	<.001*	0.46
B – C	15.91 (3.41)	<.001*	0.22
A – C	−17.11 (4.29)	.001*	0.24

*Statistically significant change, p<.05.

A = 12-meter straight walkway.

B = 30-meter straight walkway.

C = 1.2-meter by 12-meter rectangular walkway.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Figshare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.18737438.v1