Reference Values for the Six-Minute Walk Test in a Healthy Adult Population in Ecuador
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Abstract
Introduction: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a widely used assessment tool for evaluating functional capacity in various clinical settings. In Ecuador, however, no population-specific reference equations are currently available.
Objective: To establish reference values and a predictive equation for the 6MWT in healthy Ecuadorian adults.
Methods: Cross-sectional study of adults aged 20–60 years recruited in three cities at 2,225–2,850 m above sea level. Anthropometric and physiological variables were recorded before/after the 6MWT. A multiple linear regression model (enter method) was used to predict six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Consistency with external equations was assessed using ICC; agreement was examined with Bland–Altman plots and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient.
Results: We analyzed 303 healthy participants. Median 6MWD was 649 m [597–692]. The final equation included age, height, and sex (R² = 0.304). The lower limit of normality was defined as the predicted value − 94.9 m. The Osses and Casanova equations showed low consistency and a lack of absolute agreement with the observed values.
Conclusion: This study provides reference values and a population-specific predictive equation for healthy Ecuadorian adults. These findings may support the use of functional assessment in patients with respiratory diseases.
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