Lower Limb Flexibility in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Effects on Functional Performance

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of lower limb flexibility on the functional performance of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: Thirty children, whose functional levels were at 1 or 2 according to the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Scale, were included in this study. The flexibilities of the hamstrings, hip flexors, tensor fascia latae, and gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated in the children’s dominant lower limbs. The children’s functional performance was assessed using 6-minute walk tests and timed performance tests. The correlations between the flexibilities of the lower limb muscles and the performance tests were examined. Results: The flexibilities of the lower extremity muscles were found to be correlated to the 6-minute walk tests and the timed performance tests. The flexibility of the hamstrings (r = −.825), the gastrocnemius muscles (r = .545), the hip flexors (r = .481), and the tensor fascia latae (r = .445) were found to be correlated with functional performance as measured by the 6-minute walk tests (P < .05). Discussion: The results of the current study indicate that the flexibility of the lower limbs has an effect on functional performance in the early stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. More research is needed to determine the functional effects of flexibility on performance by adding long-term flexibility exercises to the physiotherapy programs of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Comparison of Distance and Angular Analysis for Measurement of Hamstring Flexibility in Preschoolers

“…The study found that the proposed MSR angular analysis can negate the effects of anthropometric characteristics without changing testing procedures and testing devices. Since children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy [ 20 ] and with a history of plagiocephaly [ 21 ] have been reported to have poor flexibility, it can be considered that such an MSR angular analysis might have good application prospects in children with typical or atypical development.…”

The Effect of Ankle Limitation on Dynamic Balance and Functional Capacity in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

“…Studies examining the relationship between ankle limitation and functional capacity in children with DMD are limited. Kaya (Kaya et al, 2014) and Akkurt (Akkurt, Gürbüz, Karaduman, & Yilmaz, 2019) used 6MWT to study the relationship between ankle limitation and walking function in children with DMD. Both studies reported significant relationships between ankle limitation and 6MWT.…”

Duchenne Musküler Distrofi’de hamstring esnekliği ve ambulasyon ilişkili midir?

“…Sporcularda yapılan bir çalışmada ise daha az hamstring esnekliği olan sporcuların %30 daha fazla yaralanma riskine sahip olduğu ve performanslarının daha düşük olduğu bulunmuştur [25]. DMD'de de hamstring esnekliğinin fonksiyonel performans üzerine etkisi araştırılmış ve önemli ölçüde etkilediği bildirilmiştir [9].…”

“…Esneklik ise tam eklem hareket açıklığına ulaşabilme kapasitesidir. Nöromusküler hastalıklarda daha çok kısalıklar üzerinde durulmaktadır [6,8], ancak esneklik ile özellikle de hamstring ve sırasıyla gastrokinemius, kalça fleksörleri ve TFL esnekliği ile performans arasındaki kuvvetli ilişki önceki çalışmada gösterilmiştir [9]. Literatürde DMD'de esneklik ile performans arasındaki ilişki gösterilmesine rağmen esneklik ile ambulasyon arasındaki ilişkiyi gösteren çalışma bulunmamaktadır.…”