Reference equation for 6-min walk distance in healthy North African children 6-16 years old

Rationale: To assess the need for a 6-min walk distance (6-MWD) reference equation for healthy North African children 6-16 years old. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study Anthropometric data and 6-MWD were measured in 200 healthy Tunisian children (100 girls) from 6 to 16 years old. Results: Published reference equations did not reliably predict measured 6-MWD in North African children. The 6-MWD was significantly correlated with age, height, and weight (P < 0.001, each). The combination of these parameters explained 60% of the 6-MWD variability in the equation: 6-MWD (m) = 4.63 x height (cm) - 3.53 x weight (kg) +10.42 x age (years) + 56.32. In an additional group of 41 children prospectively studied to validate the equation, the agreement between measured and predicted 6-MWD was satisfactory. Conclusion: This reliable 6-MWD reference equation enriches the World Bank and provides a useful reference for the care of pediatric patients. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.