Reliability and validity of the six-minute step test in assessing the functional capacity of hemodialysis patients.

Purpose: Hemodialysis patients often experience functional limitations that are challenging to assess due to equipment and space constraints. The 6-min step test (6MST) requires little space and a small standardized ergometer, making it more accessible and feasible in various healthcare settings, when compared to the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the 6MST for assessing the functional capacity of hemodialysis patients. Methods: Assessments conducted included anthropometry, spirometry, 6MWT, and 6MST. These two tests were randomized and performed on alternate days. Two 6MSTs and two 6MWTs were conducted with a minimum interval of 30 min between them. Results: The study involved 32 participants, 67% men ( Conclusion: The 6MST provides a feasible, reliable assessment option for hemodialysis patients and could be easily implemented in clinics lacking space and specialized equipment. Limitation of the present study are being a single-center investigation with a small sample size, thus limiting generalizability, and the variability of patient conditions, which may have influenced the results. Future research should explore the 6' long-term stability, responsiveness, and impact on patient-centered outcomes, as well as its applicability across different hemodialysis populations and clinical settings, to improve its clinical usefulness.