By now, we all know that with coronavirus infection, it is crucial to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels. That is why doctors suggest that every household should keep an oximeter. Whether you have a case of confirmed COVID-19 or you think you have been exposed, it is vital to keep an eye on your blood oxygen level. 

In this context, the 6-minute walk test or the 6MWT has gained popularity. What is this test and when do you need to take it? Let’s find out.

What is the 6MWT?

Simply put, this test is a measure of how healthy your lungs and heart are. It is usually advised to COVID patients who are being treated at home.  

As far as I know, the six-minute walk test is a diagnostic tool employed to evaluate lung capacity. It involves assessing the level of breathlessness experienced by a patient after a six-minute walk and determining their oxygen needs during their hospital stay. This test is particularly used in the case of COVID-19 patients.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to conduct the test

This is a simple test that you can perform at home and it doesn’t cost you any money. Simply measure your oxygen levels at rest. Then walk for 6 minutes in your room, with the oximeter attached to your finger. Note your oxygen levels during and after this 6 minute walk test. The 6 minutes may be cut short for 3 minutes in patients above 60 years of age.

The most important thing is to rest 10 minutes before starting the 6MWT.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What does the test reveal

• While doing this test if there is a drop in oxygen saturation level below 93%, or drop of more than 3% or feeling unwell (light headed, breathlessness) while performing the test are important findings.
• Patients with a positive 6-minute walk test should immediately talk to their doctor for further medical care or intervention.

The 6-minute walk test, although it is helpful to estimate the functional capacity and fitness of an individual when done at home, may have its limitations as it may underestimate the exercise capacity in some lung conditions like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to shorter track length available at home.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

How many times should you take the test and who should opt for it?

Doctors advise that this test should be taken at least twice a day by people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 infection

Even if you don’t have COVID-19, you can still opt for the test twice a day because it helps you assess your lungs’ health. Besides, some people do not witness any symptoms of COVID and yet their blood oxygen saturation level drops. This is called ”happy hypoxia”, but it is equally dangerous and requires medical attention.

According to my knowledge, COVID-19 is known to make patients prone to lung infection that present as multiple respiratory problems. Studies have shown that the six-minute walk test is used as one of the important benchmarks to assess the aerobic capacity and endurance of individuals. The distance covered during this six-minute walk can serve as a valuable measure for comparing performance capacity and measure outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

If you have contracted COVID-19, then please stay in home isolation. Keep a regular check  on your oxygen level and other symptoms and if necessary arrange for hospitalization. Everyone, whether a COVID survivor or someone who has not contacted the virus should get the COVID vaccine as soon as they can. Continue to take all the COVID-19 precautionary measures. That is the only way we can put the pandemic behind us.  

COVID could be very exhausting. Therefore, a health checkup is crucial to know your level of wellbeing.

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