Clinical Utility and Measurement Properties of Balance Measures in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular condition marked by worsening muscle weakness, balance impairments, gait abnormalities, and reduced functional independence. Assessing balance accurately is important for tracking disease progression, determining the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions and detecting the risk of falls in individuals with DMD. However, the clinical utility and measurement properties of available balance assessment tools in this population remain unclear. This scoping reviews systematically map and synthesize the evidence regarding clinical utility and measurement properties of balance assessment tools used in individuals with DMD.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted following a comprehensive search of PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Scopus databases yielding 4908 records. Six studies investigating the clinical utility and measurement properties of balance assessment tools in individuals with DMD were included. Data on reliability, validity, responsiveness, feasibility, and clinical applicability were extracted and synthesized.

RESULTS

The included studies demonstrated favorable reliability, construct validity, and clinical feasibility including Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Functional Evaluation Scale-Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Gait Domain, North Star Ambulatory Assessment, Four Square Step Test, Dynamic Video Assessment, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Gait Assessment Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Current balance assessment tools used in DMD demonstrate promising clinical utility and acceptable measurement properties. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to establish responsiveness, measurement error, and long-term psychometric performance to support their broader application in clinical practice and research.