6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a quick physical test that measures endurance and aerobic stamina. The test tracks how far a person can walk on a flat path in six minutes. Occupational and physical therapy practitioners use the distance score to see how well the body handles physical activity. This helps clinicians set safe functional goals, plan daily rehab care, and track movement gains over time.

Walking stamina is vital for daily life, safe movement, and community independence. Because of this, the test is useful in many care settings. These include hospitals, inpatient rehab units, outpatient clinics, nursing facilities, home health care, community programs, and telehealth.

Licensing Notes: The 6-Minute Walk Test is in the public domain and free to administer for clinical, educational, and research use without licensing fees or special permissions.