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Six-Minute Walk Test-Normal Values of School Children Aged 7–12 Y in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Abstract

Objective

To establish normal reference standards for six minute walk test of children aged between 7–12 y in India.

Methods

Healthy children aged between 7 to 12 y were recruited randomly from the selected schools in India. 400 children were included .Six minute walk test (MWT) was performed according to standardized ATS guidelines. Distance walked in 6 min, Heart rate (HR), Blood pressure (BP), Oxygen saturation, anthropometric measurements and level of dyspnea were taken as outcome measures.

Results

Mean distance walked in 6 min was 609 ± 166 m, with significant difference between boys and girls( p < 0.001). Boys covered more distance than girls. Heart rate increased from a baseline of 82.73 ± 1.63 to a maximum of 104.32 ± 3.11; heart rate recovery occurred at 5 min in both the genders. SBP increased from baseline 109 ± 2.38 to maximum of 121.86 ± 1.75 at the end of the test, with no significant increase in DBP which was 68.51 ± 2.21 and 69 ± 2.78 at the end of the test. No significant change in oxygen saturation and dyspnea was observed during the test. Mean oxygen saturation was 97% at baseline, with an immediate drop of 96%.

Conclusions

In this study, the mean distance covered in 6 min by boys was 670.74 ± 86.21 m and girls were 548.93 ± 44.78 m.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the teachers and staff of the schools, parents and children for their support, and active participation in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy, Center for Basic Science, Kasturba Medical College (Manipal University), Bejai Campus, Bejai, Mangalore, 575001, Karnataka, India

    Cherishma D’silva,  Vaishali K & Prem Venkatesan

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  1. Cherishma D’silva
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  2. Vaishali K
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  3. Prem Venkatesan
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Correspondence to Vaishali K.

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D’silva, C., Vaishali K & Venkatesan, P. Six-Minute Walk Test-Normal Values of School Children Aged 7–12 Y in India: A Cross-Sectional Study. Indian J Pediatr 79, 597–601 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-011-0559-x

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