Gamified 6-Minute Walk Test for Children with Neuromuscular Disorders
Official title: Effect of Gamification on 6-Minute Walk Test Performance and Engagement in Pediatric Neuromuscular Patients
Run by University of Kentucky · NCT07216339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding a game to the 6-minute walk test makes kids with neuromuscular disorders enjoy and stay motivated to complete the test.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lexington, Kentucky) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 12, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07216339 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children with a clinical diagnosis or active evaluation for a neuromuscular disorder who can ambulate sufficiently to attempt a 6-minute walk and understand simple instructions in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Children who are non-ambulatory, have severe cognitive/behavioral impairment precluding following instructions, or have acute conditions making walking unsafe may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares the standard 6-minute walk test with a gamified version in children with neuromuscular diseases. Participants are children who can ambulate with or without devices and can understand simple instructions in English. The goal is to see if the gamified test increases engagement while measuring physical endurance. The study is conducted at the University of Kentucky under a lead sponsor, with no listed collaborators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the gamified approach could make physical endurance testing more enjoyable and motivating for pediatric patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in pediatric performance testing suggests gamified approaches can improve engagement, though this specific application is novel in neuromuscular pediatric populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of, or active evaluation for, a neuromuscular disorder * Able to ambulate (with or without usual orthoses/assistive device) sufficiently to attempt a 6-minute walk. * Note: Acceptable if the patient needs to take breaks or sit during the test. Those unable to finish are counted as protocol deviations, not exclusions. * Medically stable on the test day (no acute illness or recent surgery that would contraindicate moderate exercise). * Child able to understand simple instructions in English and provide assent (if applicable based upon age and developmental level); parent/guardian able to provide consent in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-ambulatory or unsafe to attempt walking as judged by the treating physician. * Severe cognitive/behavioral impairment that precludes following instructions. * Acute cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, or other medical condition that makes walking unsafe on the test day. * Non-English-speaking family (materials are available only in English for this pilot). * Any child/parent who declines consent/assent or withdraws at any time.
Where it's running
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David N Toupin, MD — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: David N Toupin, MD
- Email: d.n.toupin@uky.edu
- Phone: 859-218-1900
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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.