Learning and Encouragement Effects on Six-Minute Walking Test in Children

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate learning and encouragement effects on the 6-minute walk test in children between 6 and 12 years of age.

Study design: Two 6-minute walk tests separated by a 10-minute resting period were performed by healthy children between 6 and 12 years of age to evaluate the learning (part 1) and encouragement effects (part 2; randomization with and without encouragement). Distance and cardiorespiratory variables were used as outcomes.

Results: 148 children were recruited. The intraclass correlation coefficient estimates were 0.927 (95% CI, 0.893-0.951; part 1) and 0.844 (95% CI, 0.744-0.907; part 2). The test-retest agreement was verified for distance (P = .679) with a bias of 1.1 m (95% CI, -4 to 6), but the increase in distance with encouragement was significantly and clinically relevant (P < .001; +41 m; 95% CI, 33-50).

Conclusion: No training is required for the 6-minute walk test in children, in contrast with adults, but there was an encouragement effect on the walked distance in these children. Guidelines should take these results into account.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03276299.

Keywords: 6-minute walk test; encouragement; exercise; learning; properties.