This study provides 6MWT reference values for Italian adolescents (11-18 years) and demonstrates that MVPA positively predicted six-minute walk distance in both sexes, while BMI negatively predicted it, and age had opposite effects in males versus females.
Key Findings
Results
Male adolescents walked significantly farther than female adolescents in the six-minute walk test.
Sample consisted of 3276 Italian adolescents (48% males), aged 11-18 years.
Average distance walked by males was 730.0 meters (IQR: 674.0-788.0).
Average distance walked by females was 675.0 meters (IQR: 624.0-720.0).
Sex-stratified reference percentiles classified by age were produced as a practical assessment tool.
Results
Multiple linear regression models revealed that demographics, anthropometrics, and MVPA significantly predicted six-minute walk distance in both male and female adolescents.
The model for males was statistically significant (p < .001, F = 28.94, adjusted R² = 0.11).
The model for females was statistically significant (p < .001, F = 23.00, adjusted R² = 0.09).
No interaction effects were found between the predictor variables.
Both models included self-reported age, height, weight, BMI, and weekly MVPA as predictors.
Results
MVPA positively predicted six-minute walk distance in both male and female adolescents.
MVPA was a significant positive predictor of 6MWD in males.
MVPA was a significant positive predictor of 6MWD in females.
MVPA was described as 'considerably associated with the average distance walked.'
MVPA was self-reported as weekly practice of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Results
BMI negatively predicted six-minute walk distance in both male and female adolescents.
BMI was a statistically significant negative predictor of 6MWD in the male regression model.
BMI was a statistically significant negative predictor of 6MWD in the female regression model.
BMI was derived from self-reported height and weight.
Results
Age had opposite directional effects on six-minute walk distance depending on sex.
In male adolescents, age positively predicted 6MWD.
In female adolescents, age negatively predicted 6MWD.
The age range of participants was 11-18 years.
No interaction effects involving age were found in the regression models.
Carraro A, Roklicer R, Santi G, Colangelo A, Petrini M, Duina M, et al.. (2026). The role of physical activity in modulating six-minute walk distance in adolescents.. PloS one. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0344115