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Applied Science Private University

Volume Volume 19, 2025 · Issue Si1 - Innovations in Rehabilitation · Open Access · Double-blind Peer-review

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Validity and Reproducibility of a Modified Six-Minute Walk Test in Libyan Adolescents With Intellectual Disability

Sami Elmahgoub1, Hassan Mohamed2, Osama Al-Hasoumi3, Aseel Aburub1 & Patrick Calders4

1 Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Jordan.

2 Department of Scientific Sport Training, Faulty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.

3 Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.

* Corresponding author: Sami Elmahgoub ([email protected])

Published: 03 Mar 2025

https://doi.org/10.35192/jjoas-n.v19si1.2099
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Abstract

Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular fitness in adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID).
Objectives: To assess the reproducibility and validity of a modified 6MWT (with continuous encouragement) in adolescents with ID.

Methods: Thirty male adolescents with ID (age 14–21 years) participated in this study. To test reproducibility, all participants performed a modified 6MWT (with continuous encouragement) twice with an interval of 1 week. To test validity, peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) was measured on a bicycle ergometer.

Results: There was no significant difference between the means of the two six-minute walk distances 6MWDs (583.6 vs. 579.9 m; p = 0.42). The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.93, indicating excellent reliability. The smallest real difference was 33.5 m. 6MWD correlated significantly with relative peak VO2 (β=0.41β=0.41) indicating validity.

Conclusion: The modified 6MWT with continuous encouragement is a valid and reliable measure of cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents with ID.

KeywordsCardiorespiratory fitnessSix-minute walk testPeak oxygen uptakeReliability

Main Subjects

Biomedical Sciences

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