Six-minute walk test in healthy Brazilian elderly women – analysis of reference equations

Abstract

Introduction: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is widely used to assess functional capacity in individuals with low physical fitness, being useful in both health and disease contexts. However, there are limitations to the universal application of prediction equations due to population and protocol differences. Objective: To analyze the applicability of distance prediction equations in the 6MWT for healthy Brazilian elderly women. Methods: Variables influencing performance in the 6MWT were evaluated in a sample of healthy Brazilian elderly women. The dissertation discusses aging effects and highlights the need for population-specific normality criteria. Results: The analysis indicated that existing prediction equations may not be fully adequate for this population due to specific physiological and anthropometric variables. Conclusion: There is a need to develop specific reference equations for Brazilian elderly women to improve the accuracy of functional assessment using the 6MWT.