Which test measures endurance by walking for six minutes?

• A. Rockport 1-Mile Walk Test
• B. Modified Bruce Treadmill Test
• C. Canadian CAFT
• D. 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

Answer: (D)

Endurance in this context means the ability to sustain a steady, comfortable pace over a period of time. The six-minute walk test asks you to walk as far as you can for six minutes on a flat course, at a pace you choose that you can maintain. The key outcome is the distance covered, which reflects functional endurance and submaximal aerobic capacity rather than maximal effort. This makes it practical and safe for a wide range of people, including those with limited exercise tolerance, and it correlates well with daily activities and overall functional status.

The other options measure different things. A one-mile walk test estimates VO2 max from time and heart rate during a brisk walk, focusing on peak aerobic capacity rather than six-minute endurance. A modified Bruce treadmill test pushes toward maximal effort to gauge peak capacity, not a six-minute endurance distance. The Canadian CAFT is another aerobic fitness assessment but not specifically defined by a six-minute walk.