Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Effects of motor imagery adding to physiotherapy and rehabilitation program in children with Duchenne Muscular
Gülsena Utku Umut1, Arzu Razak Özdi̇nçler2, Fitnat Uluğ3
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Adding Motor Imagery (MI) to Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (PTR) improved gait and function in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, the combined approach was not superior to PTR alone for these outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Motor Control
Background:
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) significantly impacts gait and balance in affected children.
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (PTR) is a cornerstone of management for DMD.
- Exploring adjunctive therapies like Motor Imagery (MI) can enhance functional outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an MI program combined with PTR for improving gait and balance in children with DMD.
- To compare the outcomes of MI + PTR versus PTR alone.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 38 boys with DMD, divided into PTR and MI + PTR groups.
- Intervention duration: 8 weeks, with MI administered 5 days/week and PTR 2 days/week.
- Comprehensive assessments included functional scales (Brooke, MFM-32), motor imagery (MIQ-c), and functional tests (TUG, TFT, 2MWT, Kinovea®).
Main Results:
- The MI + PTR group showed significant improvements in walking speed, 2-minute walk test, stair descent, 10-m walk, and MFM-32 D1.
- The PTR group demonstrated improvement in TFT-Stairs descending.
- No statistically significant superiority was found between the MI + PTR group and the PTR group alone.
Conclusions:
- While MI added to PTR shows benefits for walking and functional performance in DMD, it doesn't offer superior results compared to PTR alone.
- Further research may explore optimal MI integration for DMD management.
- MI may be a valuable adjunct, but PTR remains the primary therapeutic approach.
Introduction/Background:
The study aims to investigate the effects of the MI (Motor Imagery) program applied in addition to the PTR (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation) program on gait and balance in children with DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy).
Methods:
The 38 boys with DMD were included in the study and randomized into two groups: the PTR group (mean age: 7.96 ± 1.94 years) and the MI + PTR group (mean age: 9.03 ± 1.71 years). In the PTR group, the PTR program was administered 2 days/week for 8 weeks, and in the MI + PTR group, the MI program was administered 5 days/week in addition to the PTR program. Groups were assessed by the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Scale, Modified Pediatric Mini Mental Scale, Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ-c), Kinovea® Software Program, Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), Timed Function Tests (TFT), Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and Motor Function Measure (MFM-32).
Results:
As a result of the study, in PTR Group, TFT-Stairs descending (p = 0.049) was improved. In MI + PTR Group, Kinovea® Software Program-Walking Speed (p = 0.003), 2MWT (p = 0.037), TFT-Stair descend and 10-m walk (respectively; p = 0.001; p = 0.039), and MFM-32-D1 (p = 0.036) were improved. According to the comparison between groups, the groups were not superior to each other (p > 0.05).
Discussion/Conclusion:
Although the MI program applied in addition to the PTR program contributes to improvements in walking speed, walking distance, and functional performance in children with DMD, it does not demonstrate superiority over the PTR program alone.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...