Different protocols exist depending on the NMD being assessed. Here we give information on the 6MWT protocol for DMD and most other NMD and a separate protocol for SMA. They are similar but the level of encouragement is different. They are used in clinics but mainly as part of clinical trial protocols. They are of course fatiguing and take time. Many NMD have published on the relationship between 10 metre walk and the 6MWT for which there is usually a good association.

Need a 30-metre corridor, two cones, clipboard, worksheet, ideally two stopwatches.

6MWT in SMA. This is performed slightly differently than in DMD as a timed Test. Split distances over each minute allow for a measure of fatigue to be calculated.