DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY - PHYSIOTHERAPY: P.309The effects of trunk and lower extremity flexibility on lumbar lordosis in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lower extremity and trunk flexibility on lumbal lordosis in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Thirty children with DMD were included in the study. Functional levels of children were determined by Brooke lower extremity functional classification (BLEFC). Flexibility of lumbal extensors and hamstrings, tensor fascia latae, hip flexors, and gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated. Lumbar lordosis was measured by flexible ruler. The mean age of children was 5±2.03 years. Nineteen (63.33%) children were in Level 1 and 11 (36.67%) in Level 2 according to BLEFC. The mean flexibility scores of lumbal extensors were 0.88±6.97 cm, hamstrings 60±30°, tensor fascia latae 18.33±4.64°, hip flexors 27±18.24 cm, and gastrocnemius muscles were 81.8±10.88°. There was a moderate, positive correlation between hamstring flexibility and lumbar lordosis (r=0.458, p<0.05). In our study, the hamstring flexibility was found to have an important effect on the lumbar lordosis in DMD in the early period when compared to other lower extremity muscles' flexibility. Hamstring flexibility should be increased/maintaned in children with DMD from early period of the disease to control lumbar lordosis.