Validity and Reliability of the 6 Minute Pegboard Ring Test

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common type of progressive muscular dystrophies and is an X-linked recessive, rarely autosomal dominant, muscle disease. DMD begins in childhood and progresses until they become unable to walk. Individuals with DMD experience skeletal muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and decreased exercise capacity. In these patients, traditionally lower extremity tests are; 6-minute walk tests, treadmill tests and Cardiopulmonary exercise tests are used. However, it is reported that the upper extremity is also affected in individuals with DMD. The 6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT), which is valid and reliable in most disease groups, is also a test that can be applied to the upper extremities. It is important to use 6PBRT frequently in clinical research practice for patients with DMD and to know its validity and reliability. To our knowledge, the validity and reliability of this test in individuals with DMD has not been established in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of 6PBRT in individuals with DMD and its applicability on these patients.