Postural control in early stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

TL;DR

This study examines postural control in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and finds that sensory conditions significantly affect balance, even within the same disease stage.

Contribution

The study reveals that sensory changes impact postural control more than disease progression in early Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Findings

No significant differences in postural control were found between Vignos stages 2 and 3.

Postural control worsened significantly with changes in sensory conditions within the same Vignos stage.

Participants used motor strategies to maintain balance despite reduced muscle strength.

Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.