Evaluating respiratory functions and exercise capacity in children with neuromuscular diseases

Evaluation of Respiratory Functions, Thoracoabdominal Movements, and Exercise Capacity in Neuromuscular Diseases

Observational Lokman Hekim University · NCT06756633

This study is trying to see how well children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy can breathe and exercise compared to healthy kids.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorLokman Hekim University Government
Locations1 site (Ankara, Çankaya)
Trial IDNCT06756633 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess respiratory functions, thoracoabdominal movements, and exercise capacity in children diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) compared to healthy controls. Conducted at Lokman Hekim University, the study will include 42 children divided into three groups, each undergoing various tests including spirometry, structured light plethysmography, and functional assessments like the six-minute walk test. The goal is to gather comprehensive data on respiratory and muscular parameters over a 20-month period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 5 and older diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or Spinal Muscular Atrophy who can breathe independently.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments affecting assessment results, a history of pulmonary surgery, or advanced heart failure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of respiratory impairments in children with neuromuscular diseases, leading to improved management strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored respiratory function in neuromuscular diseases, this specific approach using structured light plethysmography is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
1. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

   -Inclusion Criteria: Clinically diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Age above 5 years. Able to breathe independently. Willing to participate in the study.

   -Exclusion Criteria: Presence of cognitive problems that affect the assessment results. History of pulmonary surgery. Advanced heart failure.
2. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

   -Inclusion Criteria: Clinically diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Age above 5 years. Able to breathe independently. Willing to participate in the study.

   -Exclusion Criteria: Presence of cognitive problems that affect the assessment results. History of pulmonary surgery. Advanced heart failure.
3. Healthy Controls

   * Inclusion Criteria:

No diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases. Age above 5 years. Able to breathe independently. Willing to participate in the study.

-Exclusion Criteria: Presence of cognitive problems that affect the assessment results. History of pulmonary surgery. Advanced heart failure.

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Çankaya

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.
Conditions Neuromuscular Diseases in ChildrenRespiratory Function ImpairedRespiratory InsufficiencyDuchenne Muscular DystrophySpinal Muscular AtrophyPlethysmographyDuchenne muscular dystrophySpinal muscular atrophy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.