A Study on the Standardization of the 6-Minute Walking Test for Elderly Koreans
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/mlu.v20i1.688Keywords:
6-minute walking test, aerobic exercise, cardiopulmonary capacity, Asian, elderly population.Abstract
Background/Objectives: 6-minute walking distance is a method for evaluating cardiopulmonary function and assessing physical performance. However, the data used in clinics are calculated from Americans. So we measure distance for Asians.
Method/Statistical Analysis: In this study, measurement of 6-minute walking distance was performed according to the 2003 American Thoracic Society guidelines. We measured the 6-minute walking distance, body mass index, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Findings: The mean 6-minute walking distance of elderly Koreans was found to be 458.5 m. The mean 6-minute walking distances for elderly Korean men and women were determined to be 470.01 m and 452.18 m, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p?0.05).
Improvements/Applications: Although Koreans do not represent all Asians, it is necessary that calculations of the 6-minute walking distance are tailored for the Asian population or using the body muscle mass weight.
