Postural control in early stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Objective: To verify whether there is an increase in the center of pressure (COP) displacement velocity and area in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in Vignos stages 2 and 3, assessed under different sensory conditions; to verify whether COP displacement velocity and area increase within the same Vignos stage with changes in sensory conditions during postural control assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals with DMD in Vignos stages 2 and 3, aged between 7 and 19 years old (mean 9.58, SD +/- 3.22). Postural control was assessed using the Wii Balance Board and a modified sensory organization test. COP displacement velocity and area were recorded. Independent samples t-tests were performed to compare the average values of these variables between Vignos 2 and 3 under each sensory condition and within the same Vignos stage across different sensory conditions. Results: No significant difference were found in any analyzed variable between Vignos 2 and 3. However. A significant difference was observed when comparing sensory condition 1 with condition 4, within the same disease stage. Conclusions: Despite the decrease in muscle strength from Vignos 2 to 3, participants were able to employ motor strategies to maintain postural control. However, postural control performance significantly worsens with changes in sensory conditions within the same Vignos stage.