Clinical Tests
The Data Walker supports standardized clinical mobility assessments used in rehabilitation and geriatric medicine.
Supported Tests
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Measures the distance a patient can walk in 6 minutes on a flat, hard surface. This test assesses functional exercise capacity.
- Duration: 6 minutes
- Course: 30-meter track (or equivalent)
- Output: Total distance in meters
- Clinical use: COPD, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension
10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
Measures gait speed over a short distance. Used to assess functional mobility and predict fall risk.
- Course: 14 meters total (2m warmup + 10m measured + 2m cooldown)
- Measurement precision: ±131.5mm (~±1.3% at 10m)
- Timing resolution: 0.1 seconds
- Output: Gait speed in m/s with automatic risk assessment
- Speed range: 0.2 - 2.5 m/s (typical walking speeds)
- Clinical use: Stroke, Parkinson's, general mobility
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
Measures time to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. Assesses mobility and fall risk.
- Turn detection: 3.0 meters (±131.5mm)
- Audio cues: Start beep and turn notification
- Visual prompts: “GO STRAIGHT” → “TURN AROUND” → “GO BACK”
- Risk categories:
| Time | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| < 12 seconds | Normal |
| 12 - 15 seconds | Fall Risk |
| > 15 seconds | High Risk |
Manual Stopwatch / Odometer
Free-form distance and time recording for custom assessments or the 6-Minute Walk Test.
- Display format: MM:SS.T (up to 99:59.9)
- Controls: START/STOP, RESET, HOME
- Visual feedback: Green (running), Yellow (stopped)
- Auto-protection: Stops when navigating away
- Speed resolution: 0.01 m/s display precision
Test Selection
Choose the appropriate test based on your clinical protocol and patient population. The Data Walker records raw distance data that can be used for any distance-based assessment.
Running a Test
- From the main menu, select “Tests”
- Choose the desired test type
- Position the patient at the start point
- Press the button to begin recording
- For timed tests (6MWT), a countdown timer displays on screen
- For distance tests (10MWT), press the button when the patient crosses the end line
- Review and record the results
Viewing Results
After each test, the display shows:
- Total distance traveled (meters)
- Elapsed time
- Calculated gait speed (if applicable)
- Number of laps (for 6MWT)
Best Practices
- Consistent conditions: Use the same floor surface and footwear for longitudinal comparisons
- Warm-up: Allow patients to practice before recorded tests
- Rest periods: Follow standardized rest protocols between tests
- Documentation: Record assistive device type and any deviations from protocol
Data Export
Test results are stored in device memory and can be exported via USB connection. Future firmware updates will add Bluetooth data transfer.