Seated Outcome Measures in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Purpose: Quantifiable motor strength measures to assess disease severity throughout the continuum of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are needed. To study the feasibility of seated trunk strength using hand-held dynamometry (HHD) and caregiver-reported subjective functional independence measures in boys with DMD. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study of 18 participants with DMD enrolled from pediatric muscular dystrophy clinic during routine clinical assessment. Hand-held dynamometry, seated reach distance test and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) were administered. Results: All study participants regardless of the walking status were able to complete the seated function tests demonstrating feasibility. The age of the participants correlated negatively with PEDI mobility and positively with HHD extension scores. The seated measures did not statistically correlate with PEDI mobility scores. Conclusions: Seated motor strength measures and PEDI mobility scores are feasible. The PEDI mobility and HHD extension scores correlate with age. Study limitations included single-center experience and cross-sectional data. Video abstract link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/s4r0k7o6s0tfbkb/PT-Seated-Measures-And-DMD-2022.mp4?dl=0