Abstract
Normative reference values are required if patient performance is to be put into perspective. This descriptive meta-analysis was undertaken to provide estimates of 6-minute walk test (6MWT) performance that could be used as normative reference values for individuals aged 60 years or older. Four bibliographic databases were searched online. Thirteen studies were identified that were usable. Meta-analysis demonstrated that reference values were best presented after grouping data by gender and age. Mean and 95% confidence intervals of 6MWT distances are presented separately for men and women in 3 age groups (60-69, 70-79. and 80-89 years). These consolidated values should provide a better estimate of normal performance than the individual studies from which they were derived.