The six minute walk test (6MWT) is increasingly being used as a functional outcome measure for chronic pediatric conditions. Knowledge about its measurement properties is required to determine whether it is an appropriate test to use.
To systematically review all clinimetric studies on the 6MWT in chronic pediatric conditions
The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro and Sportdiscus were searched up to February 2012
Study designed to evaluate measurement properties of the 6MWT in a chronic pediatric condition were included.
methodological quality of the included studies and the measurement properties of the 6MWT
A best evidence synthesis was performed of fifteen studies including nine different chronic pediatric conditions. Limited to strong evidence was found for reliability in various chronic conditions. Strong evidence was found for a positive criterion validity of the 6MWT with VO2peak in some populations but a negative criterion validity in other populations. Construct validity remained unclear in most patient groups because of methodological flaws. Little evidence was available for responsiveness and measurement error. Studies showed a large variability in test procedures despite existing guidelines for the performance of the 6MWT
Unavailability of a specific checklist to evaluate methodological quality of clinimetric studies on performance measures
Evidence for measurement properties of the 6MWT varies largely between chronic pediatric conditions. Further research is required in all patient groups to explore the ability of the 6MWT to measure significant and clinical important changes. Until then, changes measured with the 6MWT should be interpreted with caution. Future studies or consensus regarding modified test procedures in the pediatric population is recommended.
Source: http://ptjournal.apta.org/cgi/content/short/ptj.20120210v1?rss=1
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