Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
08:16
Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Published on: March 4, 2014
Assessment of hand function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
M B Wagner1, P J Vignos, C Carlozzi
1Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland, OH.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Wrist and hand function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is crucial as life expectancy increases. Wrist extensor strength and radial deviation are key indicators of hand function in boys with DMD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic disorder affecting muscle strength.
- Increasing life expectancy in DMD necessitates a focus on preserving function in later stages of the disease.
- Hand and wrist function become increasingly important as ambulation is lost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess wrist and hand function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- To identify clinical measures that correlate with overall hand function in DMD.
- To inform interventions aimed at maintaining quality of life in individuals with DMD.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 18 boys with DMD using the Jebsen Test of Hand Function.
- Conducted range of motion and muscle strength measurements of the wrist.
- Analyzed correlations between clinical assessments and functional tasks.
Main Results:
- Boys successfully performed writing and page-turning tasks across all age groups.
- Older boys (over 15) experienced difficulties with simulated feeding and object manipulation.
- Wrist extensor strength and radial deviation range of motion strongly correlated with most functional tasks.
Conclusions:
- Wrist extensor strength and radial deviation are reliable indicators of hand function in DMD.
- Preserving wrist and hand function is vital for maintaining independence and quality of life in individuals with advanced DMD.
- Further research should focus on interventions to support hand function in DMD.
