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Current Heart Failure Reports
Published in: Current Heart Failure Reports 3/2017

01-06-2017 | Self-Care and Health Outcomes (R. Gallagher and R. Clark, Section Editors)

Six-Minute Walk Test for Assessing Physical Functional Capacity in Chronic Heart Failure

Authors: Huiyun Du, Parichat Wonggom, Jintana Tongpeth, Robyn A. Clark

Published in: Current Heart Failure Reports | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a submaximal exercise test for evaluating physical functional capacity. This review aims to report the research on the use of the 6MWT in chronic heart failure (CHF) that has been published in the past 5 years.

Recent Findings

The 6MWT distance does not accurately reflect peak VO2. Minimal clinically important difference in the 6MWT distance, and additional measurements, such as heart rate recovery, can assist in the interpretation of the 6MWT distance, so management decisions can be made. Incorporating mobile apps and information technology in measuring the 6MWT distance extends the usefulness of this simple walk test and improve remote monitoring of patients with CHF.

Summary

The 6MWT is a useful tool in CHF programs. However, interpretation of the 6MWT distance must be with caution. With the advancement in technology, the 6MWT has the potential to facilitate the monitoring of people living in rural and remote areas.
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Metadata
Title
Six-Minute Walk Test for Assessing Physical Functional Capacity in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors
Huiyun Du
Parichat Wonggom
Jintana Tongpeth
Robyn A. Clark
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Heart Failure Reports / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1546-9530
Electronic ISSN: 1546-9549
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-017-0330-3

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