6MWT

The 6MWT project was developed to provide a validated and accessible tool for interpreting the Six-Minute Walk Test using population-derived reference values. Based on data from the STAAB cohort in Würzburg, a prediction model was established for individuals aged 30 to 79 without manifest heart failure, specifically calibrated for a 15-meter walking track. This model was implemented on the website www.6mwt.org , where it can be used to compare observed walking distances with expected values adjusted for age, sex, height, and weight. By translating scientific findings into a user-friendly digital format, clinically relevant benchmarks were made available in real time to support the individualized assessment of submaximal functional capacity. The website was designed as an open-access resource to facilitate its use in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, preventive health care, and longitudinal cohort studies.

The 6MWT calculator was implemented as a lightweight, client-side web application with a focus on accessibility, responsiveness, and reliability. The calculator’s architecture follows a static site deployment model, ensuring high availability and minimal server-side dependencies. The form interface collects demographic inputs (i.e., age, height, and walking distance) and dynamically computes the expected six-minute walking distance using regression coefficients derived from the STAAB cohort. The logic is executed directly in the browser, enabling real-time feedback without the need for backend processing. This design choice enhances data privacy and performance while simplifying deployment and maintenance. Careful attention was given to usability, with responsive layout design and form validation ensuring broad compatibility across devices and user contexts. By encapsulating the predictive model in a transparent and reproducible frontend implementation, the website offers a robust digital companion to clinical and research-based applications of the Six-Minute Walk Test.

Further information about the project:

• Press release from the University Hospital of Würzburg
• Report by the TV science magazine “Quarks” on the 6MWT