Assisted 6-minute cycling test: An exploratory study in children

Area of Science:

• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Clinical Trials
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a standard clinical trial outcome measure for neuromuscular disease.
• The 6MWT is not suitable for nonambulatory patients.
• The motor-assisted 6-minute cycling test (A6MCT) was developed as an alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility and construct validity of the A6MCT.
• To evaluate the test-retest reproducibility of the A6MCT.
• To assess the A6MCT as an outcome measure in pediatric neuromuscular and OXPHOS-dysfunction populations.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen children with neuromuscular disorders and children with OXPHOS-dysfunction participated.
• Feasibility and construct validity of A6MCT were assessed.
• Test-retest reproducibility was evaluated within 3 weeks.

Main Results:

• A6MCT was feasible in 90% of neuromuscular disorder patients and 78% of OXPHOS-dysfunction patients.
• A6MCT for legs correlated with 6MWT in both groups.
• A6MCT demonstrated good reproducibility for both legs and arms.

Conclusions:

• The assisted 6-minute cycling test is a promising outcome measure.
• A6MCT is suitable for patients with neuromuscular disorders and OXPHOS-dysfunction.
• This study supports A6MCT's utility in clinical trials for these populations.