Normative data and percentile curves for the three-minute walk test and timed function tests in healthy Caucasian boys from 2.5 up to 6 years old

Abstract

The three-minute walk test (3MWT) and timed function tests (TFTs) (rise from floor, 10 m run, climbing and descending four stairs) are currently used to evaluate functional capacity in young boys with neuromuscular disorders. This study aimed to generate normative data in healthy boys aged 2.5 up to 6 years for these tests and to provide percentile curves according to age and height. The relation between the 3MWT, TFTs and anthropometric variables was investigated. In total 179 boys (mean age: 4.1 y ± 1.0) were evaluated across four age (2.5 years; 3 years; 4 years and 5 years) and three height groups: (<100 cm; 100 to <110 cm and ≥110 cm). Three-minute walk distance (3MWD) increased significantly, from 168.4 m (± 18.8) at 2.5 years to 214.5 m (± 26.1) at 5 years and from 172.6 m (±21.8) for children <100 cm to 212.7 m (±26.2) for children ≥110 cm. TFTs times decreased significantly with age and height. Significant correlations between the anthropometric values, 3MWD and TFTs were found (r(s)= 0.55-0.84; p <0.0001). These normative data and percentile curves provide a useful tool in the assessment of functional capacity in young boys. This study also confirms the association between functional tests and anthropometric values.

Keywords: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; Functional capacity; Normative data; Three-minute walk test; Timed function tests.