Smartphone-based 6-Minute Walk Test in chronic pain: a validation study

This study will compare the results of a 6-minute walk test using a smartphone app to a conventional 6-minute walk test supervised by a physiotherapist, in order to assess the agreement between the two methods.

If the app proves to be a valid alternative to conventional 6-minute walk tests, findings from this research could enable widespread use of this app for patients who cannot travel to an appointment at a clinic or hospital.

Participation in this study will involve attending a one hour face-to-face session at Downey Park, Windsor. You will be asked to perform a conventional walk test by walking for 6 minutes between two markers placed 30 metres apart. Following a 15 minute rest period, you will be asked to perform a second 6-minute walk test by walking around the park while carrying your smartphone using the Timed Walk app to measure the walking distance.

Eligibility

Adults (18 years of age or older)
Have persistent pain (longer than 9 months)
Are either seeking treatment at the Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre (TCPRC) or have otherwise nominated their interest in participating in this research.
Own or have access to a smartphone (Android or iPhone). Smartphones can be provided for the walk test if required.
Are able to walk outdoors for at least 100m without the use of walking aids.

Participant Benefits

A $20 electronic gift voucher will be given to you, on the day of the walk tests, to thank you for your time.

Each participant will be sent a plain language summary of the results at the conclusion of the study.

Register your interest

Or contact Dr Joshua Simmich: j.simmich@uq.edu.au

This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No. 2021/HE001471]