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 + 10m + 2m)
Output: Gait speed in m/s
Variants: Comfortable pace, fast pace
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.

Course: 3 meters from chair to marker
Output: Time in seconds, distance traveled
Clinical use: Fall risk screening, frailty assessment

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.