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Validity of the 6 minute walk test in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Author(s) -
Eichinger Katy,
Heatwole Chad,
Heininger Susanne,
Stinson Nikia,
Matichak Stock Carly,
Grosmann Carla,
Wagner Kathryn R.,
Tawil Rabi,
Statland Jeffrey M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.25251
Subject(s) - facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , muscular dystrophy , test (biology) , medicine , physical therapy , psychology , audiology , biology , paleontology
: In preparation for future clinical trials, we determined the reliability, relationship to measures of disease severity, and consistency across sites of the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Methods : Genetically defined and clinically affected FSHD participants at 2 sites performed the 6MWT, the Timed Up and Go, and the 30 foot Go/Timed 10 meter test as measures of mobility using standard procedures. Results : Eight‐six participants representing the full range of severity performed the 6MWT. The mean 6MWT distance was 404.3 meters (SD 123.9), with no difference between sites. The 6MWT was reliable ( n = 25; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99) and demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with lower extremity strength, functional outcomes, and FSHD Clinical Score. Conclusions : The 6MWT is reliable and is associated with other measures of FSHD disease severity. Future directions include assessing its sensitivity to disease progression. Muscle Nerve 55 : 333–337, 2017