Longitudinal Assessment of Trunk Control in Ambulant Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

AimTo evaluate the evolution of trunk control in individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) over a period of 12 months.MethodsLongitudinal study involving individuals with DMD categorized from Vignos (staging scale with a grade of 1 to 10 for clinical progression of the disease, with 1 to 6 individuals who can walk and 7 to 10 individuals who use wheelchairs) 1 to 6. Initial assessments were conducted, followed by assessments after 6 and 12 months. The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control was used.ResultsThe sample consisted of 18 individuals, with 2 dropouts by the third assessment. Initially, 38% of individuals were in Vignos 2; 33% in Vignos 3; 12% in Vignos 4; 12% in Vignos 5; and 5% in Vignos 6. There was notable heterogeneity in trunk control levels concerning disease staging, with individuals showing the same Vignos but different trunk control levels, or different Vignos with similar trunk control. The median trunk control level according to the scale used ranged from 7 (complete trunk control) to 5 (upper lumbar trunk control) during the study period. A significant decline in trunk control was observed both at the 6-month and 12-month assessments.ConclusionThe decline in trunk control in individuals with DMD begins even during their ambulant phase. The 6-month interval between assessments indicates a noticeable deterioration in this control. Therefore, assessments every 6 months are recommended.