Over 12 months, adult males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy experienced significant declines in plantar flexion and knee extension strength by 19% and 14%, respectively.
Cohort (n=27)
No
Adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy experience progressive muscle weakness comparable to pediatric populations, emphasizing the need for physical activity and precise body composition monitoring rather than just body mass.
Effect estimate: -19% change
p-value: p=0.002
PURPOSE: Muscular dystrophy (MD) is an umbrella term for muscle wasting conditions, for which longitudinal changes in function and body composition are well established in children with Duchenne (DMD), however, changes in adults with DMD and Beckers (BMD), respectively, remain poorly reported. This study aims to assess 12-month changes in lower-limb strength, muscle size, body composition and physical activity in adults with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). METHODS: = 12) were assessed at baseline and 12-months for body composition (Body fat and lean body mass (LBM)), Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (Knee-Extension (KEMVC) and Plantar-Flexion (PFMVC)) and physical activity (tri-axial accelerometry). RESULTS: =0.532-0.585). Changes in LBM (DMD) and body fat (BMD) were both masked by non-significant changes in body mass. DISCUSSION: 12-Month changes in adults with DMD appear consistent with paediatric populations. Physical activity appears important for muscle function maintenance. Specific monitoring of body composition, and potential co-morbidities, within adults with MD is highlighted.Implications for rehabilitationQuantitative muscle strength assessment shows progressive muscle weakness in adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is comparable to paediatric reports (-14 to -19%).Physical activity should be encouraged in adults with Beckers Muscular Dystrophy, anything appears better than nothing.Body composition, rather than body mass, should be monitored closely to identify any increase in body fat.
Jacques et al. (Thu,) conducted a cohort in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (n=27). 12-month follow-up (Natural history) vs. Baseline was evaluated on 12-month change in plantar flexion maximal voluntary contraction (PFMVC) in DMD (-19% change, p=0.002). Over 12 months, adult males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy experienced significant declines in plantar flexion and knee extension strength by 19% and 14%, respectively.