Assisted standing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Area of Science:

• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Orthotics and Prosthetics

Background:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common X-linked neuromuscular disorder.
• Boys with DMD typically lose ambulation and require wheelchair use in their second decade.
• Standing devices and orthoses are crucial in managing DMD, but their specific effects are unconfirmed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of standing devices and orthoses on musculoskeletal impairments in boys and men with DMD.
• To assess secondary outcomes including quality of life, participation, and patient satisfaction.
• To identify any adverse events associated with the use of these devices.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, and PEDro up to September 2019.
• Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of standing devices for DMD.
• Considered various control groups, including no intervention or usual care.

Main Results:

• Thirteen potentially relevant studies were identified.
• None of the identified studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.

Conclusions:

• There is a lack of high-quality evidence (RCTs or quasi-RCTs) on the effectiveness of standing devices for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
• Further research is essential to determine the benefits and safety of standing devices in this population.