6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in Houston, TX
Pulmonary Obesity & Sleep Specialists of Houston
đź“Ť 1800 West 26th Street #200, Houston, TX 77008
đź“ž (281) 652-5864
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple but powerful tool used to assess how well your lungs, heart, and muscles are working together during physical activity. At Pulmonary Obesity & Sleep Specialists of Houston, we use this test to evaluate functional capacity in patients with chronic lung disease, heart failure, and other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
During the 6MWT, you’ll walk at your normal pace for six minutes while we monitor your oxygen levels, heart rate, and symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue. The total distance walked and your physiological response give us a real-world snapshot of your exercise tolerance and lung function. It’s especially useful for conditions such as COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, and recovery from pulmonary embolism.
This test helps us determine the severity of your condition, the effectiveness of current treatments, and whether you need additional support such as supplemental oxygen or pulmonary rehabilitation. It also plays a key role in evaluating your progress over time or before surgical interventions.
Because it reflects your everyday abilities rather than just numbers on a chart, the 6MWT gives us actionable insights to personalize your care. It’s also non-invasive, low-risk, and easily repeatable for ongoing monitoring.
To schedule a 6-Minute Walk Test and learn more about your respiratory health, call (281) 652-5864 and book an appointment with our team.