Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Muscle Architecture, Neuromuscular Disorders
Conditions
Brief summary
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive X-linked neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle degeneration, pseudohypertrophy, and declining functional mobility. This cross-sectional observational study investigates the relationship between gastrocnemius muscle architecture and functional ability in ambulatory children with DMD. Muscle thickness and fascicle length were assessed using ultrasonography and correlated with motor function and ankle plantarflexion during gait.
Detailed description
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, fatty infiltration, fibrosis, and loss of functional capacity during childhood. Although pseudohypertrophy may cause apparent enlargement of calf muscles, structural changes do not necessarily reflect muscle quality or functional performance. This cross-sectional observational study included 26 ambulatory male children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with DMD. Participants underwent a single comprehensive assessment session. Muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated using 2-dimensional ultrasonography (Mindray DP-10, 7.5 MHz probe) to measure muscle thickness and fascicle length. Functional ability was assessed using: * The Motor Function Measure (MFM-32) * The Vignos Scale * Timed 10-Meter Walk Test Ankle plantarflexion range of motion during gait was measured using Kinovea motion analysis software with 2D digital video analysis. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between muscle architectural parameters and functional ability measures. No therapeutic intervention, randomization, or group allocation was performed.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Deraya University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
6 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy * Age 6-12 years * Ambulatory * Vignos Scale grades 1-7 * Presence of calf pseudohypertrophy * Absence of severe cardiac or pulmonary disease
Exclusion criteria
* Non-ambulatory * Severe cognitive impairment * History of lower limb trauma or fracture * Inability to cooperate with assessment * Lack of parental consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrocnemius Muscle Thickness and Fascicle Length | Baseline | Measured using 2-dimensional ultrasonography (Mindray DP-10, 7.5 MHz probe). |
| Functional Ability (Motor Function Measure-32) | Baseline | Functional performance was assessed using the Motor Function Measure-32 scale. |
| Ankle Plantarflexion Range of Motion During Gait | Baseline | Measured using Kinovea 2D motion analysis software. |
| Timed 10-Meter Walk Test | Baseline | Time required to walk 10 meters is used to assess ambulatory performance. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed