6-min walk-distance norms in adults Arab populations: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: The primary outcome of the 6-min walk-test is the 6-min walk-distance (6MWD). Its interpretation relies upon the comparison of the measured 6MWD with the predicted one from published norms.

Objective: The aim of the present review is to report the 6MWD norms published for healthy adults Arab populations.

Methods: The review includes a literature search, from 1970 to January 5th 2017 using the PubMed search engine. Reference equations lists of retrieved English/French articles were searched for any supplementary references. The research includes the combination of the following (or their synonyms) "Medical Subject Headings" or "Title/Abstract" terms: «walking» AND «reference values» AND «Arabs».

Results: Five studies, conducted in Saudi-Arabia (n=2), Tunisia (n=2) and Algeria (n=1) were included. Norms comprised the following factors: age (Yrs), height (cm), weight (kg), body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), sex (0:women; 1:men) and physical activity level. Five norms were proposed for Tunisian aged 40-79 years [6MWD (m) = 299.8 - 4.34xAge + 3.43xHeight - 1.46xWeight + 62.5xSex] or aged 40-85 years [6MWD (m) = 720.50 + 160.27xSex - 5.14xAge - 2.23xWeight + 2.72xHeight], for Saudi-Arabian aged 16-50 years [6MWD (m) = - 28.5 + 2.81xHeight + 0.79xAge] or aged 18-71 years [6MWD (m) = 342.650 + 74.31xPhysical activity level + 33.88xSex - 4.25xAge] and for Algerian aged 16-40 years [6MWD (m) = 800.05 + 64.71xSex - 10.23xBMI - 1.63xAge + 2.05xWeight]. These norms explained 25% to 77% of the 6MWD variability.

Conclusion: Fewer 6MWD norms exist for adults' Arab population. Other norms are welcome.