The cardiorespiratory response and physiological determinants of the assisted 6-minute handbike cycle test in adult males with muscular dystrophy.

Introduction: The assisted 6-minute cycle test (A6MCT) distance was assessed in adults with muscular dystrophy (MD).

Methods: Forty-eight males, including those with Duchenne MD (DMD), limb-girdle MD (LGMD), fascioscapulohumeral MD (FSHD), and Becker MD (BMD), as well as a group without MD (CTRL), completed handgrip strength (HGS), lung function [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV ) and forced vital capacity (FVC)], body fat, and biceps thickness assessments. During the A6MCT, ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO ), carbon dioxide (VCO ), and heart rate (HR) were recorded.