Psychomotor intervention to enhance self- and body-concept in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

Introduction Movement intervention becomes currently part of interest in practical approaches and research in muscle diseases. Equally, self-concept is discussed as an important factor of resilience in health promotion for people with neuromuscular diseases. Self-concept is the perception of oneself defined as a multidimensional and hierarchical theory. At present, there are no studies concerning holistic approaches for movement intervention in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) based on the idea of psychomotricity. Aim of this feasibility-study was to develop and evaluate a specific psychomotor intervention for children with DMD. This approach aimed to increase self-concept. Methods the study was conceptualized as a single-case study in a multiple-baseline and mixed methods design. An A1-B-A2 design was used: a baseline of 3 months with first assessments, followed by 12 weeks of psychomotor intervention and a reassessment 6 months after the intervention period. The study included 7 boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with an age range between 4 to 11 years. The following quantitative assessment methods were used: Harter's Self-Perception-Profile for children (Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance), Motor Function Measure, German form of the Colour-A-Person Body Dissatisfaction Test and Human figure drawing. As qualitative methods, structured interviews with children and parents were conducted. Results First analysis show stable results in self-concept scores of the assessed boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy while motor function decreases due to the natural history of the disease. Results from interviews and process evaluation reported high satisfaction and compliance with this specific self-concept orientated psychomotor intervention. There was no dropout during the study. Conclusions Self-concept orientated psychomotor intervention in Duchenne muscular dystrophy seems to be feasible. Further quantitative research is needed to investigate specific effects of psychomotor intervention on self-concept in neuromuscular diseases.