Wheelchair seating for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder which features progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Despite advances in treatment, the weakness of DMD will eventually necessitate a wheelchair for almost all children. The goal of wheelchair use is to maximize function and mobility while minimizing discomfort and postural abnormalities. Because of the large variation of patient symptoms and functional deficits, no single wheelchair would adequately serve the needs of all children with DMD. Unfortunately, little information to guide selection of equipment for children with DMD is available. This article discusses the decision-making processes regarding appropriate time to provide equipment, the evaluation of DMD clients, and reviews the numerous options in order to help prescribers, caregivers and clients design an appropriate wheelchair system.