Doctors in India recommend covid patients getting treatment at home should conduct a 6-minute walking test to monitor their condition.
Medical professionals have highlighted the importance of keeping oxygen levels up. The Ministry of Information says a 6-minute walk can help check for Hypoxia.
Hypoxia is a condition caused when the body’s tissues and cells do not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen. Common symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, headache and rapid heart rate.
How to Conduct 6-Minute Walking Test
Keeping your oxygen levels up help to support the immune system’s fight against coronavirus. Medical professionals recommend performing the 6-minute walk two or three times a day.
We’ve written about the important role oxygen has on the body’s ability to ward off viruses and bacteria. You can read about it here.
Here’s what to do:
- Attach a Pulse Oximeter and record the oxygen saturation (SP02) in your bloodstream
- Keep the oximeter attached to your finger and walk around the room or garden for six minutes. Observe the reading every minute or so.
- After six minutes, sit down to rest. Wait a couple of minutes and check the oximeter reading.
- Repeat the test every 6-8 hours.
If the SP02 reading is below 94% after the walk, or your oxygen levels drop by 3-5% on your next 6-minute walk, consult a doctor.
You should also consult your physician if you feel light-headed during or shortly after performing the exercise.
If you are pregnant, have uncontrolled asthma or aged 70 years or more, the six-minute test is not recommended.
