Quantitative muscle strength assessment in duchenne muscular dystrophy: longitudinal study and correlation with functional measures

Autor: Lerario Alberto, Bonfiglio Serena, Sormani MariaPia, Tettamanti Andrea, Marktel Sarah, Napolitano Sara, Previtali Stefano, Scarlato Marina, Natali-Sora MariaGrazia, Mercuri Eugenio, Bresolin Nereo, Mongini Tiziana, Comi Giancarlo, Gatti Roberto, Ciceri Fabio, Cossu Giulio, Torrente Yvan
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2012
Předmět:
Zdroj: BMC Neurology, Vol 12, Iss 1, p 91 (2012)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-12-91
Popis: Abstract Background The aim of this study was to perform a longitudinal assessment using Quantitative Muscle Testing (QMT) in a cohort of ambulant boys affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and to correlate the results of QMT with functional measures. This study is to date the most thorough long-term evaluation of QMT in a cohort of DMD patients correlated with other measures, such as the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) or thee 6-min walk test (6MWT). Methods This is a single centre, prospective, non-randomised, study assessing QMT using the Kin Com® 125 machine in a study cohort of 28 ambulant DMD boys, aged 5 to 12 years. This cohort was assessed longitudinally over a 12 months period of time with 3 monthly assessments for QMT and with assessment of functional abilities, using the NSAA and the 6MWT at baseline and at 12 months only. QMT was also used in a control group of 13 healthy age-matched boys examined at baseline and at 12 months. Results There was an increase in QMT over 12 months in boys below the age of 7.5 years while in boys above the age of 7.5 years, QMT showed a significant decrease. All the average one-year changes were significantly different than those experienced by healthy controls. We also found a good correlation between quantitative tests and the other measures that was more obvious in the stronger children. Conclusion Our longitudinal data using QMT in a cohort of DMD patients suggest that this could be used as an additional tool to monitor changes, providing additional information on segmental strength.
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