Reference Values on the 6-Minute Walk Test for Children Living in the United States

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate reference values for the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the relationship between 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and age, sex, and anthropometric variables in children who are healthy, aged 7 to 11 years and living in the United States. Methods: The sample included 100 children, 57 female, 43 male, mean age 9.66 +/- 1.08 years. Measures included height, weight, body mass index, leg length, and 6MWD. Results: Mean 6MWD was 518.50 +/- 73.56 m. Values were lower than those reported for children living in other countries with the exception of England. There were no significant associations between the 6MWD and other variables with the exception of body mass index in males. Conclusion: Our findings suggest 6MWT values for children living in other countries may not be directly applicable to children living in the United States. (Pediatr Phys Ther 2011; 23: 32-40)