Investigation of dual task performance in children with duchenne muscular dystrophy

This study was planned to determine the effects of the dual-task performance of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) compared to their typically developing peers, to compare the dual-task performance of children at different functional levels, and to determine the relationship between parameters that may affect dual-task performance in children with DMD. Forty-five DMD children older than 6 years of age and able to walk 10 meters independently, and 49 typically developing peers were included in the study. After recording the children's demographic information, the motor-motor and cognitive-motor dual-task performances and cognitive level of all children were evaluated. In addition, functional level, muscle performance, ambulation, balance, frequency and fear of falling, gait, independence, activity and participation, and quality of life results for children with DMD were recorded. In our study, it was found that the dual-task performance of children with DMD was lower than their typically developing peers (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a difference between the dual task performance of children with DMD at different functional levels (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a relationship between the dual-task performance of children with DMD and their motor function, falls, independence status, and quality of life based on parent report (p<0.05). Our study showed that dual-task performance in children with DMD is different from their peers and is further negatively affected by the increase in functional losses. These results revealed the necessity of including training on dual-task performance in rehabilitation programs in DMD in order to protect/increase motor functions, independence and participation.