Supported Standing in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of supported standing in a small sample of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). METHODS: Four 12- to 15-year-old boys with DMD engaged in a home-based supported standing program for 6 to 12 months. A single-subject design was employed to examine muscle length. Bone mineral density was assessed at 4-month intervals using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Upright, sustained supported standing was tolerated in 3 of the 4 boys. Mean weekly stand times ranged from 1.3 to 3.3 hours. Improved hip or knee flexor muscle length was seen in 3 of the 4 boys. No boys showed improved plantar flexor muscle length or increased lumbar bone mineral density. CONCLUSIONS: Findings offer preliminary empirical evidence addressing the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of standing in boys with DMD. Additional research with an emphasis on better program adherence is indicated.