Six-minute Walk Test and Prediction Equation for Six-minute Walk Distance in Healthy Bangladeshi Adult

Abstract

Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, widely used tool to assess functional exercise capacity and monitor therapeutic outcomes in cardiopulmonary diseases. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) varies across populations due to ethnicity and geography. In Bangladesh, data on 6MWT and prediction equations for 6MWD are lacking. Objective: To determine reference 6MWT values and develop a prediction equation for 6MWD in healthy Bangladeshi adults. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, from January to December 2020. A total of 332 healthy adults aged 18–60 years were recruited and randomized into two groups: Group I (n=266) for equation generation and Group II (n=66) for validation. Anthropometric, demographic, spirometric, and 6MWT data (6MWD, heart rate, Sp O₂, blood pressure, dyspnea score) were collected using a standardized protocol. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-tests, Chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and stepwise multiple regression with SPSS v26. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Mean 6MWD was 542 ± 76 m, with males walking significantly longer distances than females (580 ± 68 m vs. 499 ± 61 m, p<0.001). Dyspnea and oxygen saturation remained stable during the test. Pearson correlation showed significant associations of 6MWD with age, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and pre-test systolic blood pressure. Stepwise regression identified height, age, and gender as independent predictors, explaining 47% of the variance in 6MWD. The generated equation was validated in Group II. Conclusion: Age, height, and gender are simple, significant predictors of 6MWD in healthy Bangladeshi adults. These reference values and the prediction equation provide a benchmark for evaluating functional capacity in clinical and research settings.

J Med Coll Women Hosp.2026; 22(2): 38-49