Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
DMD and Gamified Physiotherapy
Sponsor: Başak Çağla Arslan
Summary
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.
Official title: Development and Investigation of the Effectiveness of a Gamified Mobile Physical Therapy Exercise Application for Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A 6-Month Follow-Up Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
6 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
46
Start Date
2026-05-08
Completion Date
2028-07-05
Last Updated
2026-01-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Gamified Mobile Physiotherapy Exercise Application
A 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
Conventional 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.