DMD and Gamified Physiotherapy
ConditionDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexMale
Age6-12
SponsorBaşak Çağla Arslan
About this trial
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that limits children's physical function, mobility, and participation in daily life. Regular physiotherapy and exercise are essential to slow functional decline; however, many children experience difficulties maintaining motivation and adherence to long-term exercise programs. Low adherence leads to reduced treatment benefit and faster loss of motor abilities.
This study aims to investigate whether a gamified mobile physiotherapy exercise program can improve participation, motivation, and physical outcomes in children with DMD. The mobile program includes personalized exercises designed by physiotherapists and occupational therapists, combined with game-based elements such as rewards, levels, feedback, and virtual achievements to enhance engagement. The program is delivered in addition to face-to-face physiotherapy.
A total of 46 boys aged 6-12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of DMD will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Both groups will attend an 8-week center-based physiotherapy program. The intervention group will additionally use the gamified mobile exercise application at home, while the control group will receive a standard home exercise program. Participants will be evaluated before treatment, after 8 weeks, and at 6-month follow-up.
The primary outcomes include physical function, endurance, and mobility. Secondary outcomes include psychosocial well-being, motivation, and therapy participation. The study intends to determine whether gamification-based telerehabilitation can increase adherence, preserve physical abilities, and support participation in children with DMD. If effective, this approach may offer a practical and accessible tool to support long-term rehabilitation needs in this population.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Male child aged 6 to 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) based on specialist evaluation and genetic testing.
Vignos lower extremity classification stage 1 or 2.
Brooke upper extremity functional classification at least stage 5.
Score of 27 or higher on the Modified Mini-Mental Test.
Disqualifiers
Presence of any additional diagnosed neurological disorder other than, or in addition to, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
History of any injury and/or surgery within the last 6 months.
Any cooperation or behavioral problem that prevents completion of the assessment procedures.
Difficulty in understanding or speaking Turkish.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Gamified Mobile Physiotherapy Exercise Application
BehavioralA mobile gamified exercise program designed for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The program includes personalised exercise tasks, progression-based game features, and feedback to support home-based physiotherapy participation.
Standard Home Exercise Instructions
BehavioralConventional physiotherapy home exercise instructions provided as written and verbal guidance without digital or gamified components. Exercises are aligned with standard clinical practice for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Treatment groups
46 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Gamified Mobile Physiotherapy + Center-Based PhysiotherapyExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Standard Home Exercise + Center-Based PhysiotherapyActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Distance walked in six minutes to assess functional mobility and endurance in ambulatory children w
Time frame
Baseline, 8 weeks (post-intervention), and 6-month follow-upSecondary outcomes
1
Modified Upper Extremity Performance Test
Functional upper extremity performance test quantifying task execution time and efficiency. Higher performance indicates better function.
Time frame
Baseline (Day 1), Post-intervention (8 weeks), and 6-month follow-up2
Repetitive Upper and Lower Extremity Movement Counts
Number of repetitions completed within a standardized time period to assess muscle endurance and functional movement capacity. Higher counts indicate better performance.
Time frame
aseline (Day 2), Post-intervention (8 weeks), and 6-month follow-up3
Single Breath Counting Test
Number counted in a single exhalation to assess respiratory function and breath support. Higher values indicate better respiratory capacity.
Time frame
Baseline (Day 2), Post-intervention (8 weeks), and 6-month follow-up4
Pediatric Berg Balance Scale
Standardized pediatric balance assessment (0-56 range). Higher scores indicate better balance.
Time frame
Baseline (Day 2), Post-intervention (8 weeks), and 6-month follow-upLocations
Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Başak Çağla Arslan
Lead sponsor
Lokman Hekim University
Sponsor institution
Hacettepe University
Collaborator
Lokman Hekim University
Collaborator
Bezmialem Vakif University
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: