Validity and Reliability of a Mixed Reality-Based 6-Minute Walk Test

Summary

The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a widely used field test for assessing functional exercise capacity, walking endurance, and submaximal performance related to activities of daily living. However, in conventional applications, environmental conditions, observer-related differences, and standardization issues may lead to variability in measurement outcomes. In addition, evaluating only the total walking distance may not adequately reflect clinically important changes such as performance decline and walking-related motor fatigue occurring during the test.

For this reason, recent studies have recommended analyzing 6MWT data by dividing the test into minute-by-minute segments and using performance change metrics such as the Distance Walked Index (DWI). These approaches allow a more detailed evaluation of changes in walking performance throughout the test duration.

With advances in measurement technologies, mixed reality (MR)-based applications have attracted attention as a means of enabling more objective, standardized, and reproducible implementation of conventional clinical tests. MR technology allows users to maintain interaction with the real environment while receiving digital guidance and feedback, thereby providing a safe and standardized assessment setting. Nevertheless, evidence regarding the validity and reliability of mixed reality-based adaptations of the 6MWT, particularly in asymptomatic adults, remains limited.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the criterion validity and test-retest reliability of a mixed reality-based 6-Minute Walk Test (MR-6MWT) developed using the Meta Quest 3 and Unity platform. In addition, convergent validity will be examined by analyzing the relationships between total walking distance, minute-by-minute performance changes, fatigue effect (%), and outcomes of the 4-Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and knee extensor muscle strength.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of a more objective, standardized, and digitally based mixed reality adaptation of the 6MWT. Furthermore, the results may provide a scientific foundation for future remote assessment and digital monitoring applications.

Conditions

• Mixed Reality
• Asymptomatic

Interventions

OTHER

Mixed Reality-Based 6-Minute Walk Test Assessment

Participants will perform a mixed reality-based adaptation of the 6-Minute Walk Test (MR-6MWT) developed using the Meta Quest 3 headset and Unity platform. The mixed reality environment provides standardized visual guidance and virtual markers while allowing participants to safely walk in the real environment. During both conventional and MR-based assessments, walking distance, physiological responses, perceived exertion, and fatigue-related performance changes will be recorded. The MR-6MWT will be repeated one week later to evaluate test-retest reliability and compared with the conventional 6-Minute Walk Test to assess criterion validity.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Selcuk University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• İsmail ÖZSOY, Assoc. Prof. Dr. · Selcuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Konya, Türkiye

• Zehra KORKUT, Assist. Prof. Dr. · Selcuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Konya, Türkiye

• Gülşah ÖZSOY, Assist. Prof. Dr. · Selcuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Konya, Türkiye

• Mehmet A GÜLER, PhD · Selcuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Konya, Türkiye

• Yasemin GEDİKLİ ERTÜRK, MSc. in PT · Selcuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Konya, Türkiye

• İhsan KODAK, Assist. Prof. Dr. · Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Kırşehir, Türkiye

• Murat T İNANÇ · Selcuk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Konya, Türkiye

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-02-01

Primary Completion

2026-11-30

Completion

2027-01-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations