title: Reliability and feasibility of the six minute walk test in subjects with myotonic dystrophy.
abstract: The objective was to describe test-retest reliability and feasibility of the six minute walk test in adult subjects with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Twelve subjects (28-68 years, mean 44) performed three six minute walk tests on two occasions, one week apart. Relative reliability was high (ICC(2.1)=0.99) and absolute reliability values were low (standard error of measurement 12 m, repeatability 33 m). Feasibility was investigated in a sample of 64 subjects (19-70 years, mean 43). Fifty-two subjects were able to perform two tests on the same day. Subjects with severe proximal weakness had difficulties performing repeated tests. A practice trial followed by a second test on the same day can be recommended for most subjects, and the best test should be used for evaluations. In conclusion, even though the study sample was small, the present study indicates that the six minute walk test is reliable and feasible in subjects with myotonic dystrophy type 1.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. marie.kierkegaard@karolinska.se
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kierkegaard
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tollbäck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009223:Myotonic Dystrophy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology