Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Assessing exercise capacity in rheumatoid arthritis patients using a 6-minute step test

Official title: An Alternative Assessment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparing Bicycle Ergometer and 6 Minute Step Test and Proving the Validity of the 6 Minute Step Test

Run by Firat University · NCT06838884 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a simple 6-minute step test can help people with rheumatoid arthritis measure their exercise ability better than the usual bike test.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorFirat University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Merkez, Elâzığ)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 18, 2025
Main results expectedMay 10, 2025
Study endsJune 10, 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 26, 2025
Trial IDNCT06838884 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who weigh 100 kg or less and can walk independently.

Probably not a fit

Patients with serious heart or lung diseases, severe musculoskeletal disorders, or those unable to participate in physical tests will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the 6-minute step test (6MST) as an alternative method to assess aerobic exercise capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The research aims to address the limitations of the traditional bicycle ergometer test, which can be inconsistent and requires expensive equipment. By utilizing the 6MST, which is simpler and requires less space, the study seeks to provide a more accessible means of evaluating functional capacity for individualized rehabilitation planning. Patients diagnosed with RA will be assessed at Firat University Hospital, focusing on their ability to walk independently.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies tailored to the specific exercise capacities of RA patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of functional capacity tests like the 6MST is gaining attention, this specific application in RA patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* RA patient
* Over 18 years of age
* 100 kilos or less
* Patients who can walk independently without an assistive device

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of serious heart and lung disease
* Presence of severe musculoskeletal and joint disorders that may interfere with the conduct of the test
* Arthroplasty or major operations on knee and hip joints
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Inability to participate in physical tests involving walking and cycling

Where it's running

  • Firat University
    Merkez, Elâzığ, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.