Abstract
The specific aims of this study are to (1) Evaluate the impact of a regular aquatic therapy program on quality of life of an individual with DMD (2) Evaluate the impact of a regular aquatic therapy program on motor function in an individual with DMD (3) Evaluate the impact of a regular aquatic therapy program on pulmonary function in an individual with DMD. This is a case report of one individual with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy that has undergone a standardized aquatic program. In addition to continued participation in a home exercise program, the subject received a standard protocol of aquatic therapy one time per week for 6 weeks. Following completion of the 6 week protocol, the individual was discharged from the aquatic therapy program and continued with his home exercise program that included regular stretching and use of bracing. The subject underwent assessments of the following dependent measures: hand held myometry, Timed Function Testing, 6 min Walk Distance, Pulmonary Function Tests, and PedsQL. To ensure a stable baseline (TI), the initial assessments were completed 2 times over a span of 5 days. The battery of dependent measures was then repeated at the completion of intervention (T2) and again at the end of 12 weeks (T3). We found slight increases in strength and improvement in quality of life based on parent report at the conclusion of intervention. Pulmonary function, 6 min walk distance and timed function tests appeared to remain steady throughout. Due to the degenerative nature of this disease, any improvement in function or steady maintenance of function over time could be considered a positive outcome. Based upon our results, we may conclude that individuals with DMD may benefit from aquatic therapy. Further studies, including randomized control trials, are needed to determine the effects of a regular aquatic therapy program on individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
