The Impact of Trunk Control and Balance on Functional Skills in Ambulatory Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

BACKGROUND

Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) often experience impairments in trunk control and balance, which may negatively impact their functional abilities. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between trunk control, balance and functional skills in ambulatory children with DMD.

METHODS

Thirty-two ambulatory boys with DMD aged 5-12 years (mean age: 8.59 ± 2.14 years) participated in the study. Assessments included the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS), Paediatric Functional Reach Test (PFRT), Timed-Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).

RESULTS

Self-care scores on the PEDI were significantly correlated with TCMS-selective movement control (r = 0.424, p = 0.016) and PFRT (r = 0.566, p = 0.001). Mobility scores were correlated with TCMS-static sitting balance (r = 0.512, p = 0.003), selective movement control (r = 0.518, p = 0.002), dynamic reaching (r = 0.664, p < 0.001), PFRT (r = 0.350, p = 0.049) and TUG (r = -0.600, p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between PEDI-social function scores and trunk control or balance measures (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that trunk control and balance are important contributors to functional performance, particularly in self-care and mobility domains, in ambulatory children with DMD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06379906.