Assessing surgery risk through a walking test

FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR SURGERY BY A TIMED WALK

Unity Health Toronto · NCT06412367

This study is testing if a six-minute walking test can help predict the risk of complications for patients over 40 who are having non-heart surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1672 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUnity Health Toronto (other)
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06412367 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The FAST Walk study evaluates whether the six-minute walk test (6MWT) can predict the likelihood of complications in patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery. Participants aged 40 and older, who have at least one risk factor for postoperative complications, will complete the 6MWT prior to their surgery. The goal is to enhance patient care by identifying those at higher risk for complications based on their walking test results. This observational study is conducted at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older with at least one risk factor for postoperative complications who are scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgery.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing endovascular or lower limb orthopedic surgeries, or those with contraindications to the 6MWT, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved preoperative assessments and tailored care for patients undergoing major surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Similar studies using functional assessments like the 6MWT have shown promise in predicting surgical outcomes, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥40 years
2. ≥1 risk factors for postoperative complications
3. Elective non-cardiac surgery with expected post-surgery stay ≥2 days
4. Preoperative 6MWT is feasible
5. Working knowledge of official language(s) in country of study recruitment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Endovascular surgery
2. Lower limb orthopedic surgery
3. Contraindications to 6MWT

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Surgery-Complications, Postoperative Complications, Six Minute Walk Test, Functional assessment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.