Reference values for the 12 minute walk test in McArdle patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• The 12-minute walk test (12MWT) is crucial for assessing McArdle disease (glycogen storage disease type V, GSDV).
• Factors like age, height, body mass, and gender can influence walking distance in various patient groups.
• Previous research has not systematically investigated these non-disease-specific predictors in GSDV patients undergoing the 12MWT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the contribution of non-disease-related factors (age, height, body mass, gender) on the distance achieved in the 12MWT for GSDV patients.
• To establish reference values for the 12MWT in GSDV, enabling better individual comparisons and monitoring.
• To provide a foundation for improved clinical and research assessments of GSDV.

Main Methods:

• Collected data from 103 GSDV patients who completed the 12MWT between 2011 and 2017.
• Included measurements of maximum distance walked, age, gender, height, and body mass.
• Utilized correlation analysis and multiple linear regression to identify significant predictors of walking distance.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between walking distance and height, age, body mass, and gender.
• Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a model explaining 29.7% of the variance in walking distance (R² = 0.297).
• Gender was not a significant predictor after accounting for height, age, and body mass.

Conclusions:

• This is the first study to systematically report the influence of non-disease factors on 12MWT performance in GSDV.
• The generated reference values are essential for accurate monitoring and assessment of GSDV patients.
• Improved understanding of these predictors will enhance clinical management and research efficacy for McArdle disease.