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Even if 6-min walking test (6MWT) is the criterion standard for functional exercise performance evaluation, new field tests are required as practical alternative. This study aims to establish the validity of the 6-min step test (6MST) and the 4-m gait speed (4MGS) in children.

It is a randomized cross-over trial. Sixty one healthy children from 6 to 12 years were recruited. 6MWT, 6MST and 4MGS were randomly performed on three consecutive days. Pulsed oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), dyspnea (VAS) and fatigue (PCERT) were used as outcomes.

The distance walked during 6MWT was correlated to the number of steps during 6MST (r = 0.320; p = 0.013) and not correlated to 4MGS (r = −0.074; p = 0.575). No correlation between number of steps during 6MST and 4MGS (r = −0.129; p = 0.332) was found. HR was lower than the theoretical maximal HR after the tests. The …