Trial results for a study investigating the validity and reliability of the 6-minute Walk Test (6minWT) over a distance of 6 meters in people with Multiple Sclerosis were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-02-04, with 21 participants enrolled.
Background
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often progressive, autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. It can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, balance problems, and difficulty walking. Assessing mobility and functional endurance is crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness. The standard 6-minute Walk Test (6minWT) typically uses a 30-meter course, which may not be feasible for all patients, especially those with severe mobility limitations or in clinical settings with limited space. This study aimed to explore the utility of a shorter, 6-meter version of the test.
Trial design
This completed study, which did not specify a phase, enrolled 21 participants diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The primary objective was to validate a 6-minute Walk Test conducted over a 6-meter distance (6minWT6) as an alternative to the standard 30-meter version (6minWT30). Secondary objectives included verifying the reliability of the 6minWT6 and analyzing differences between the 6minWT6 and 6minWT30, considering factors such as speed at half-turn, age, gender, height, EDSS score, disease type, and time since relapse.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements for the enrolled participants:
- The 6-minutes Walk Test on 6 Meters:
- A mean distance of 215.86 m (Standard Deviation 113.8) was observed.
- Another mean distance of 221.57 m (Standard Deviation 113.8) was observed.
- A mean time of 227.05 s (Standard Deviation 123.49) was observed.
- Another mean time of 228.90 s (Standard Deviation 122.87) was observed.
- 360 Degree Turn Test (Time):
- A mean time of 6.00 s (Standard Deviation 4.11) was observed.
- 360 Degree Turn Test (Number of Steps):
- A mean of 8.16 number of steps (Standard Deviation 3.59) was observed.
- 6 Minute Walk Test on 30 Meters:
- A mean distance of 295.95 m (Standard Deviation 156.54) was observed.
What this means
The posted results provide descriptive data on the performance of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis across various mobility assessments, including both 6-meter and 30-meter versions of the 6-minute Walk Test, and a 360-degree turn test. The study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the shorter 6-meter walk test. The reported mean distances and times offer insights into the functional capacity of the enrolled participants. These measurements contribute to the understanding of how a modified 6-minute Walk Test might be utilized in clinical practice, particularly for patients who may benefit from a test requiring less space or endurance than the standard version. Further analysis on the validity and reliability, as per the study's objectives, would provide more definitive conclusions on its applicability.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT04228328, titled "Validity and Reliability of the 6-minute Walk Test Over a Distance of 6 Metres in People With Multiple Sclerosis", were posted on 2026-02-04 on clinicaltrials.gov.