Trunk Training and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Pediatric occupational and physical therapists often provide trunk training exercises for boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The purpose of a recent study was to evaluate whether trunk training affects limb, respiratory, and pulmonary function in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY ON TRUNK TRAINING AND DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Over the course of 8 weeks, a randomized controlled trial was conducted on 26 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy between the ages of 5 and 16.
Two groups of participants were assigned at random. The study group (N = 13) used the trunk-oriented exercise program, whereas the control group (N = 13) used the conventional exercise plan for the eight weeks.
The control group exercises included: stretching exercises, and active or active-assisted strength exercises (upper extremity, lower extremity, abdominal muscles, back muscles).
The trunk training exercises included: stretching, stabilization exercises (active or active-assisted), arm exercises in fixed trunk position, trunk-oriented exercises (active or active-assisted), trunk mobilization (sitting and lying position), and functional reaching exercises with different ranges of motion in shoulder elevation.
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RESULTS
The primary endpoints were assessed using the Trunk Control Measurement Scale, Performance of Upper Limb, and Pulmonary Function. Data collection began at baseline and ended at the eighth week. Before-and-after changes in trunk control scores, arm function scores, and respiratory function values were compared for the intergroup comparison.
The results indicated the following:
- trunk control increased in the study group
- total and distal scores of arm function increased with trunk-oriented exercises.
- the trunk-oriented exercises increased the Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, and Peak Expiratory Flow Volume percentage values of the boys with DMD in the intervention group.
CONCLUSION – TRUNK TRAINING AND DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
The researchers concluded that trunk-oriented activities might improve the trunk control, arm function, and respiratory function in boys with DMD.
REFERENCE
Güneş Gencer, G. Y., & Yilmaz, Ö. (2021). The effect of trunk training on trunk control, upper extremity, and pulmonary function in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A randomized clinical trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 02692155211043265.
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