Using the six-minute walk test to assess exercise capacity in people with pulmonary hypertension

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine if there was a difference in six-minute walk distance (6MWD) when two six-minute walk tests (6MWTs) were performed in people with pulmonary hypertension (PH) prior to attendance at the PH clinic. Methods: Participants with PH performed two 6MWTs for the first time prior to attendance at the PH Clinic. The tests were performed on a 32 metre continuous track in an outpatient hospital setting using standard instructions and encouragement. Results: 212 participants completed two 6MWTs [mean (SD) age 57 (16) years; BMI 27 (6) kg/m 2 ]. Using the better 6MWT the mean distance was 438 (139) metres and 6MWT % predicted was 87% (24). There was a significant increase in 6MWD on the second 6MWT [mean difference (95% CI) 16 m (9 to 23), p Conclusion: In people with PH, when a second 6MWT was performed the increase in walk distance was significant but small. This may indicate that one test at baseline may be adequate.