Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity functional level and trunk control and pulmonary functions in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Methods: 23 children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, between the ages of 6-16 years were included in the study. Functional classification of lower extremities in children (Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification), trunk control (Trunk Control Measurement Scale), muscle strength (handheld dynamometer) and respiratory functions (Respiratory Function Test) were evaluated. Results: In our study, it was shown that Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification was significantly associated with static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, dynamic reach (balance reactions) parameters and total score of Trunk Control Measurement Scale, and FVC and PEF expected percentage values (p <0.01). No significant relationship was found between lower extremity functions and trunk, neck muscle strength and FEV1 and FEV1 / FVC expected percentage values of respiratory functions (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In our study, it was shown that trunk control and pulmonary functions play an important role on lower extremity functional level in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. These results suggested that the trunk can be effective in determining the functional level of the children together with the respiratory parameters, and that trunk control should be added to the evaluation approaches for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy from the early stage.

Keywords:

Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity functional level and trunk control and pulmonary functions in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Methods: 23 children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, between the ages of 6-16 years were included in the study. Functional classification of lower extremities in children (Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification), trunk control (Trunk Control Measurement Scale), muscle strength (handheld dynamometer) and respiratory functions (Respiratory Function Test) was evaluated. Results: In our study, it was shown that Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification was significantly associated with static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, dynamic reach (balance reactions) parameters and total score of Trunk Control Measurement Scale, and FVC and PEF expected percentage values (p <0.01). No significant relationship was found between lower extremity functions and trunk, neck muscle strength and FEV1 and FEV1 / FVC expected percentage values of respiratory functions (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In our study, it was shown that trunk control and pulmonary functions play an important role on lower extremity functional level in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. These results suggested that the trunk can be effective in determining the functional level of the children together with the respiratory parameters, and that trunk control should be added to the evaluation approaches for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy from the early stage.