‘SIX-MINUTE WALK TEST’ FOR LUNG HEALTH AWARENESS

The health department here has emphasised on conducting a “six-minute walk test” at home to check whether your lungs are in good health. The move is also meant to make citizens aware about the test, principal secretary of the health department, Dr Pradeep Vyas, has said.

In a recent meeting to review the health system in the state, Dr Vyas said the district health system needs to create more awareness about the six-minute walk test. This will make the citizens aware of the hidden lack of oxygen in the blood so that needy patients can be admitted to hospitals on time, Dr Vyas said.

WHO SHOULD TEST

Individuals experiencing symptoms of fever, chills, cough or Covid-19, as well as patients in home isolation may be tested.

DOING THE TEST

Before doing this test, put a pulse oximeter in the finger and record the oxygen level on it. Then, keeping the finger in the oximeter for six minutes, walk moderately. Do not walk on the steps; also do not walk too fast or too slowly, but walk moderately. After walking for six minutes, note the oxygen level again. If the oxygen level does not decrease even after walking for six minutes, then it should be considered as good health. Suppose oxygen level is reduced by 1-2 per cent, repeat the same test twice a day without worrying to see if there is any change.

TEST RESULT

 If the oxygen level drops below 93% after six minutes of walking, drops by more than 3% after the start of walking, or after six minutes of walking, one feels short of breath, the person should be admitted to hospital on the understanding that they are deficient in oxygen. People who have shortness of breath while sitting should not do this test. People above 60 years of age can do this test by walking for three minutes instead of six minutes.