Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Functional level and its relationship to upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness in children with
Dilan Savaş1, Tülay Tarsuslu Şimşek2
1Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Mithatpasa Street No:1606, TR-35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey. savas.dilan1@gmail.com.
Insights
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) significantly impacts upper extremity function, pain, and stiffness, affecting daily independence. This study confirms a strong link between functional status and these upper limb symptoms in children with DMD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic disorder characterized by muscle weakness.
- Upper extremity functional limitations in DMD can significantly impair daily living activities and independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the overall functional level and upper extremity function, pain, and stiffness in pediatric patients diagnosed with DMD.
- To understand how disease progression affects specific aspects of upper limb performance and comfort.
Main Methods:
- The study included 38 children diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- Functional status of upper and lower extremities was evaluated using the Brooke and Vignos scales, respectively.
- Upper extremity function, pain, and stiffness were assessed using the Upper Limb Short Questionnaire (ULSQ), and correlations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A moderate positive correlation was observed between ULSQ total scores and both the Vignos (r=0.52) and Brooke (r=0.65) scales, indicating a link between overall function and upper limb status.
- Significant correlations were found between Vignos scale scores and ULSQ subscores for function (r=0.42) and stiffness (r=0.56).
- The Brooke scale showed moderate positive correlations with ULSQ subscores for function (r=0.54), pain (r=0.40), and stiffness (r=0.62).
Conclusions:
- There is a significant relationship between the functional level of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness.
- These findings highlight the importance of assessing upper limb status in the management of DMD to maintain patient independence.
Background:
The progressive symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) negatively affect upper extremity skills, and this may have an effect that reduces the independence of daily life.
Aims:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between functional level and upper extremity function, pain, and stiffness in children with DMD.
Methods:
A total of 38 children with DMD were participated. The functional level of the upper and lower extremities was assessed using Brooke scale and Vignos scale. Upper extremity function, pain and stiffness were assessed using Upper Limb Short Questionnaire (ULSQ). The correlation between ULSQ and Brooke and Vignos scales was calculated.
Results:
A moderate positive correlation was calculated between ULSQ total scores and Vignos scale (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and Brooke scale (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between Vignos scale scores and ULSQ subscores of function (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and stiffness (r = 0.56, p < 0.001); no significant correlation was found between pain scores and Vignos scale (p = 0.053). There was a moderate positive correlation between the function (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), pain (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), and stiffness (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) subscores of the ULSQ with the Brooke scale.
Conclusion:
In our study, there was a significant relationship between the functional level of patients with DMD and upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness.
