The effects of trunk exercises on upper extremity and respiratory functions in duchenne muscular dystrophy

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of trunk training on upper extremity and pulmonary functions in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). 26 childeren with DMD whose ages between 6-16 were included in the study. In addition to the conventional treatment programme, trunk exercises by the physiotherapist was done to 13 childeren during 8 weeks in study group. 13 childeren in control group was applied conventional treatment program during 8 weeks. Demographic data of the children were recorded. Trunk control (Trunk Control Measurement Scale), neck and trunk muscle strength, upper extremity (Performance of the Upper Limb Module-PUL) and respiratory functions (Pulmonary Function Test) scores of the children were recorded before and after 8 weeks exercising programme. Statistically significant difference were found in trunk control, neck and trunk muscle strength, upper extremity and respiratory functions after trunk training in the study group (p <0.01). In the control group, there were significant decrease in Forced Vital Capacity (% FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second (FEV1%) percentage values (p <0.05), while other parameters did not change (p> 0.05). In the study, it was determined that trunk exercises in DMD were effective on trunk control, neck and trunk muscle strength, upper extremity and respiratory functions. The importance of the inclusion of trunk training in the treatment program has been shown from the early stages on the maintenance and improvement of functional level in DMD.