Efficacy of two intervention approaches on functional walking capacity and balance in children with Duchene muscular dystrophy

OBJECTIVES: Children with Duchene muscular dystrophy have weak muscles, which may impair postural adjustments. These postural adjustments are required for gait and dynamic balance during the daily living activities. The aim was to compare between the effect of bicycle ergometer versus treadmill on functional walking capacity and balance in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. METHODS: Thirty boys aged from 6 to 10 years old diagnosed as Duchene muscular dystrophy participated in this study. Children were assigned randomly into two groups (A&B). Children in group (A) underwent a designed program of physical therapy plus aerobic exercise training in form of bicycle ergometer while, group (B) received the same program as group (A) and aerobic exercise training by treadmill for one hour, at three times a week for three successive months. Functional walking capacity and balance were assessed before and after treatment by using the 6-minute walk test and Biodex balance system equipment respectively. RESULTS: The post treatment results revealed significant difference in all measured variables (P<0.05) as compared with its pre-treatment results. Post-treatment values indicated that there was a significant difference in all measured variables in favor of group B. CONCLUSIONS: treadmill training as an aerobic exercise can improve walking capacity and balance more effectively than bicycle ergometer in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.