Quantification of muscle strength and motor ability in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy on steroid therapy

An assessment protocol was applied to quantify and describe muscular strength and motor abilities of 32 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), aged between 5 and 12 years on steroid therapy.

Assessments were made monthly for the first six months and with intervals of two months thereafter until the 14-month end point. The tests employed included: the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale; the Hammersmith motor ability score; maximum weight lift; timed rise from floor and nine-meter walk.

The results showed that loss of muscular strength and motor abilities were slowed in comparison to that observed in the natural evolution of the disease according to the literature.

We conclude that a swift and objective assessment may be performed using the MRC scale for lower limbs and trunk, the Hammersmith motor ability score, timed nine-meter walk and weight lifts.