P.7.20 Effects of dynamic arm training on trunk muscle strength and lower extremity functions in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

To investigate the effects of dynamic arm training on trunk muscle strength and lower extremity functions in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Manual muscle testings of back extansors and abdominal muscles were performed to 12 DMD children who are still ambulant and between 8 and 15years of age. North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) was performed to determine the ambulatory status of children. Children were trained with RECK MOTOmed viva 2 model arm training device during 8weeks, 3days a week, 45min in each session. Trunk muscle testing and NSAA were performed before and after 8weeks training and compared to baseline assessments. There were not any statistically significant difference of muscle strenght (back extansors, abdominal and total trunk) before and after trainning (<i>p</i>>0,05). NSAA scores showed a statistically significant increase after training (NSAA scores – before trainning: 17.5±8.6; after training: 20.2±8.8) (<i>p</i><0.05). This study shows that, aerobic training which only applied upper extremities has positive effects on lower extremity functions in DMD.