REFERENCE VALUE OF 6 MINUTE WALK DISTANCE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC STROKE

Background: The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) has strong-to-moderate evidence to assess changes in walking distance for adults with neurologic conditions undergoing rehabilitation. However, the reference value of 6MWT distance according to walking ability in chronic stroke patients in the rehabilitation unit has not been presented. Stroke rehabilitation programs aim to improve walking ability by targeting factors, such as walking velocity, walking endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and balance. Six-minute walk test (6MWT) measures the distance that a subject can quickly walk on a flat and hard surface in a period of 6 min. Objective: To find the reference value of 6 min walk distance depending on the walking ability as measured by functional ambulation category in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 100 chronic stroke patients. 6MWT was used to assess the walking ability. Walking ability was classified using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). Reference value of 6MWT distance was presented for each walking ability according to FAC score. The statistical analysis of the data will be done through means [standard deviations]. Results: Reference value of 6MWD in chronic stroke patients is 212.41 m. 6MWT distances for each walking ability were as follows: FAC 3 was 147 m, FAC 4 was 234.83 m, and FAC 5 was 287.66 m. Conclusion: 6MWT distance was found to be longer with better walking ability. A distance of 212.41 m during 6MWT might be useful for setting the target value for the higher level of walking ability. Keywords: 6-minute walk test, cutoff value, reference value, rehabilitation; stroke, walking independence