INTRODUCTION: Anthropometric differences may influence the performance in the 6-minute walk test. OBJETIVE: To analyze publications concerning the 6MWT performed in children and adolescents and to identify the influence of anthropometric parameters on test performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: research in the electronic databases Medline and Scielo using to the keywords: six-minute walk test, children, adolescents, anthropometric measures/ variables, growth and exercise tolerance, in the search of studies involving 6MWT in children and adolescents, that present correlation between anthropometric data and test variables. It was identified 45 studies related to the search and after examination of the titles, abstracts and full articles, it were included 13 compatible studies with the proposed theme. RESULTS: the selected material approach the 6MWT and your application in different situations: analysis of reproducibility, correlation with maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing, indications in differents diseases, reference values in healthy, effect parameter of prevention/rehabilitation program. Many studies relate the covered distance in 6MWT with age and sex, as well as with anthropometric variables, showing frequent correlation with height, beyond the age, weight and body mass index. Other data such as length and strength of lower limbs, percentage of fat mass/lean and respiratory muscle strength, related to changes in the period of juvenile development, also seem to influence the test performance. CONCLUSION: Studies indicate a b influence between the anthropometric variables and the covered distance in 6MWT in children and adolescents, and the need for better explanation of this association so there is no impairment of outcome studies and therapeutics.
Exercise test; Child; Anthropometry; Pediatrics
