Gamification Effects on the 6-Minute Walk Test in Children

Effect of Gamification on 6-Minute Walk Test Performance and Engagement in Pediatric Neuromuscular Patients

The goal of this study is to learn if adding a game to the 6-minute walk test for children with neuromuscular disorders will increase enjoyment and motivation to complete the test.

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.