Assessment of hand function in duchenne muscular dystrophy

Corticosteroid Treatment and Functional Improvement in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

“…3 Wrist contracture is known to limit function and limb position, even if strength is preserved. 24 Improper position of shoulder, elbow, and wrist might have some effect on the accurate findings in this study. The lack of cooperation and the possibility of submaximal effort while performing tests can effect reliability of grip and pinch strength measurement tests.…”

Longitudinal functional and NMR assessment of upper limbs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

“…27 Few studies have focused on the upper limbs of patients with DMD, despite the importance of maintaining functional independence as long as possible. 28 Grip and pinch strength correlate with physical disability in patients with DMD older than 10 years. 5,27 Before 10 years of age, growth and maturation seem to partly compensate for disease progression, 27 as depicted here by an improvement in both strength (grip and pinch) and function (MoviPlate) of ambulatory patients over the 1-year observation period.…”

Diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part 1: diagnosis, and pharmacological and psychosocial management

“…[33][34][35] Other adaptations in the late ambulatory and non-ambulatory stages could include an elevated lap tray, with adaptive straw, hands-free water pouch, and/or turntable (indicated if the hand cannot be brought to the mouth or if biceps strength is grade 2/5), power adjustable bed with pressure relief cushion or mattress, bathing and bathroom equipment, and transfer devices, including a hydraulic patient lift, ceiling lift (hoist), slide sheets, and environmental control options.…”

“…In the USA, the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2001 directed increased research and public health initiatives towards the muscular dystrophies. 33 Development of these care recommendations are part of these activities. In Europe, a European Union-funded Network of Excellence (EC036825), TREAT-NMD, received funding to advance the treatment and care for neuromuscular diseases, with standardisation of care in DMD as one of their priorities.…”