Lower Limb Flexibility in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Effects on Functional Performance

Thirty children whose functional levels were in 1 or 2 according to the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Scale were included in the study. Flexibilities of hamstrings, hip flexors, tensor fascia latae, and gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated in dominant lower limb. Popliteal angle test, hip flexor flexibility test, tensor fascia latae flexibility test and gastrocnemius flexibility test were used for flexibility asssessments. Functional performance was assessed with 6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) and Timed Performance Tests. The correlation between the flexibility of lower limb muscles' and performance tests were examined.

Inclusion criteria

• Having a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis,
• Being in the ambulatory period and climbing four steps independently,
• To be able to cooperate the physiotherapist's directions,
• Not having any severe contracture in the lower limbs which may prevent assessments,
• Not having any injury or surgery involving the lower limbs during the last 6 months.

Exclusion criteria

Children who did not provide these criteria and did not will to participate the study were excluded.