Gamified Walking Test for Muscular Dystrophy

This trial tests whether adding a game to the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) can enhance enjoyment for children with neuromuscular disorders. The study includes two groups: one group plays a game where kids scan a tag to level up an avatar, while the other performs the standard walk test without the game. Researchers aim to determine if the game increases motivation and enjoyment during the test. Children diagnosed with or being evaluated for a neuromuscular disorder who can walk, even with breaks or assistance, may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to engage in innovative research that could make medical tests more enjoyable.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that adding a game to the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for children with neuromuscular disorders is safe. In this gamified version, children scan a tag while watching an avatar level up. Other studies have used this approach without any reports of harm or serious side effects. The main goal is to make the test more enjoyable and motivating for the kids. Since this is merely a change to the test and not a new drug or procedure, it poses no additional risks compared to the regular 6MWT. The game simply adds a fun element to keep kids interested.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about this trial because it introduces a gamified element to the traditional 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) for muscular dystrophy. Unlike the standard test, which relies on verbal cues, the gamified test engages children by allowing them to carry an RFID tag and watch an avatar level up with each lap. This interactive approach aims to motivate kids and potentially improve their performance, offering a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

Research has shown that transforming the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) into a game can boost motivation and enjoyment for children with neuromuscular disorders. In this trial, participants will either experience a gamified version of the test or a standard version. The gamified test includes fun elements, such as characters and rewards. Studies have found that this approach can significantly increase the distance children walk, with some results showing an improvement of about 19.55 meters. This suggests that when the test is more interactive and fun, children engage more and try harder. The goal is to make the test more enjoyable, potentially leading to better performance and more accurate assessments of their abilities.¹²⁴⁶⁷