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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Supported Standing in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Elise L Townsend1, Christine Bibeau, Tara M Holmes
1Department of Physical Therapy (Dr Townsend), School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy (Dr Townsend) and Clinical Research Center (Ms Holmes), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Rehabilitation (Dr Bibeau), Winchester Hospital, Winchester, Massachusetts.
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of supported standing in a small sample of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Methods:
Four 12- to 15-year-old boys with DMD engaged in a home-based supported standing program for 6 to 12 months. A single-subject design was employed to examine muscle length. Bone mineral density was assessed at 4-month intervals using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Results:
Upright, sustained supported standing was tolerated in 3 of the 4 boys. Mean weekly stand times ranged from 1.3 to 3.3 hours. Improved hip or knee flexor muscle length was seen in 3 of the 4 boys. No boys showed improved plantar flexor muscle length or increased lumbar bone mineral density.
Conclusions:
Findings offer preliminary empirical evidence addressing the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of standing in boys with DMD. Additional research with an emphasis on better program adherence is indicated.
