Introduction: The most commonly used walk test is the 6MWT. However, it has been shown that it is time-consuming, challenging, and exhausting for patients in the early postoperative phase, acute rehabilitation, severe disabilities, and end-stage cardiorespiratory illness. The same can be true for elderly cancer patients due to advanced age and Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF). The 2MWT can be used as an outcome measure in such situations to evaluate functional capacity and endurance. According to reports, 2MWT and 6MWT significantly correlate in respiratory conditions, stroke patients, etc. However, to the best of our knowledge data regarding 2MWT and its correlation with 6MWT is lacking in elderly cancer patients.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between distance covered in 6MWT and 2MWT in elders (≥ 60 years) diagnosed with malignancies

Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted after obtaining approval from the IEC. 70 elderly patients with histologically proven malignancies, who are posted for definitive treatment and are ready to participate, are included in the study. Once the screening is done, 6MWT and 2MWT are conducted separately, using a standard protocol as per ATS guidelines on the same day at intervals of at least 1 hour. The distance covered, predicted distance, and percent predicted distance were calculated using a standardized Indian formula.

Results: The correlation between distance covered in 6MWT and 2MWT was assessed using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient method, which obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.78, indicating a strong positive association.

Conclusions: 2MWT can be used to replace 6MWT in elderly cancer patients. It will be less challenging & exhausting for patients.

Dipti Vilas Kadu is a scientific assistant, onco-physiotherapist at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre & Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Varanasi (unit of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai Grant-in-Aid Institution under Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India). Her qualification is Onco-physiotherapy fellowship, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She is a certified lymphedema therapist. Completed M.P.Th., (Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences), Seth G. S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai and B.P.Th., Seth G. S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai. Her areas of interest: Onco-rehabilitation, Lymphedema management, Geriatric rehabilitation. She is the member of International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), Society of Onco-physiotherapist (SOP), Indian Association of Physiotherapist (IAP) with 10 years of experience in physiotherapy. She had multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals, was a reviewer for various journals, had ongoing studies at workplace and attended multiple workshops/webinars/CMEs and conferences. She secured as a faculty/speaker at multiple seminars/conferences/CME programs and presented papers/posters/E-Poster at multiple conferences. Her awards: ‘Woman of Passion Award’ by the Indian Association of Physiotherapist Women Cell, in September 2025 for work done in onco-physiotherapy field.