Reference values for the 6-minute walk test in Caucasians between 18 and 87 years

<bold>Introduction:</bold> The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is often performed as a single measurement to evaluate functional exercise capacity. Most predictions for the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) are based on repetitive testing in selected age groups. <bold>Aim:</bold> To develop reference values for the 6MWD in Caucasians over the full adult age range performed as a single measurement. <bold>Methods:</bold> Healthy adults, equally distributed for sex and age, performed a single 6MWT according to current guidelines. Single regression analyses investigated the effects of age, height, weight and BMI on the 6MWD. A reference equation was developed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. <bold>Results:</bold> 212 subjects (51% F, 18-87 yrs) performed a 6MWT. Males had a larger 6MWD than females (697±83 (SD) m and 629±72 m, respectively*). In both sexes, a quadratic relation between age and 6MWD was detected* with a flattening before 50 yrs and an accelerated decline thereafter (see figure). The 6MWD increased linearly with height* with a similar slope for males and females. BMI was negatively related to 6MWD in both sexes* while weight was only related to 6MWD in males^#. Sex, age (A), A², height (H) and weight (W), but not BMI, were retained in the regression model: 52+(44.3 × sex)+(5.4 × A)–(0.074 × A²)+(3.9 × H)–(2.0 × W) (sex: M=1, F=0) (adj R²=0.55*). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our study provides reference values for the unrepeated 6MWD in Caucasians over the full adult age range. *: p<0.001, ^#: p=0.02 <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1448/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>