Wandeltests

Wandeltests are standardized assessments used to measure walking ability and functional mobility. They are applied in clinical evaluation, rehabilitation, and sports science to quantify endurance, gait speed, balance, and overall mobility, and to monitor changes over time or in response to treatment. The term is common in German-language literature, but the underlying tests have international use.

Commonly used Wandeltests include the six-minute walk test (Sechs-Minuten-Gehtest, 6MWT), which records the distance walked in six minutes; and gait-speed tests such as the 10-meter walk test or 4-meter walk test that measure the speed of ambulation. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test assesses mobility by timing how long a person takes to stand from a chair, walk a short distance, turn, return, and sit down. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) combines gait speed, chair stands, and balance measures to provide an overall mobility score. Variants such as the one-minute walk test and other distance- or time-based tasks are also employed depending on the clinical setting.

Administration is typically conducted on a level indoor surface with standardized instructions, using simple equipment such as markers, a stopwatch, and, when necessary, assistive devices. Tests are suitable for a range of populations, including older adults and patients with chronic conditions such as COPD, heart failure, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or obesity.

Interpretation relies on task distance, speed, or time and is often compared to normative values by age and sex. Minimal clinically important differences are used to judge meaningful change. Limitations include influences from motivation, fatigue, footwear, and environment, so results should be interpreted within the broader clinical context.