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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Firat University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Merkez, Elâzığ) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 18, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 10, 2025 |
| Study ends | June 10, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | February 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06838884 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
- Study coordinator: Havvagül Doğan
- Email: havvvaguldogan@gmail.com
- Phone: +904242370000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.