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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07338812

Virtual Reality and Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Strength and Balance in Children With DMD

we measure balance and quadriceps strength in Duchenne muscular dystrophy children after applying virtual reality and whole body vibration

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Key information

Conditions

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Genetic Diseases, Inborn Genetic Diseases, X-Linked Muscular Diseases Muscular Disorders, Atrophic Muscular Dystrophies Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases

Age range

6 year–10 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cairo university, Cairo, Egypt

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About this study

Two groups of fifty children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged 6 to 10, were randomly assigned after being selected from the outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University. Both groups (A and B) participated in physical treatment for three consecutive months; group (A) had designed physical therapy in addition to virtual reality, whereas group (B) had the same physical therapy program with whole-body vibration three times per week.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • children diagnosed with DMD
  • aged between 6 and 10 years
  • having lower extremities and trunk muscle strength of grade 3+
  • were able to move their upper and lower limbs normally and being able to walk unhindered at levels I and II of the Ambulation function classification system for DMD (AFCSD)

Exclusion criteria

  • cardiopulmonary dysfunction or skeletal abnormalities that are either congenital or acquired
  • had previously experienced lower limb surgical procedure
  • had neurological conditions that affected their balance and gait or had poor motor development
  • exhibited behavioural disorders preventing them from cooperating during the trial
  • being overweight (body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/ m2) because a lot of fat makes it hard for the ultrasound to measure thickness

Treatment and study plan

Virtual reality

Device

Group (A) had designed physical therapy in form of Warm up with gentle stretching movements to prevent injuries. The lower limb muscles on both sides were stretched for 20 seconds, followed by 20 seconds of relaxation, five times. The quadriceps, hamstrings, anterior tibial group, calf muscles, biceps, and triceps were also contracted isometrically. Every muscle contraction was held for 5 seconds, followed by 5 seconds of relaxation, and the process was repeated five times in addition to virtual reality inform of VR program. Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board (Nintendo, Kyoto, Japan) was used to perform the exercises. In each session, VR was used for a total of 10 minutes three times per week for three consecutive months.

Whole Body Vibration

Device

Group (B) had the same physical therapy program with WBV (Power Plate Pro 5) for a total of 10 minutes per session. The apparatus was set at 30 Hz frequency, 2 mm amplitude, and 5 minutes of operating time. The children were squatted down completely on a vibrating, side-alternating platform and were told to stay that way throughout the experience, communicating any pain they felt to the researchers. The vibration feature automatically shuts off after 5 minutes. After that, the children took a one-minute break. Then, with the same settings as those used in the squatting position, children stood on the vibration platform for 5 minutes. In each session, WBV was used for a total of 10 minutes three times per week for three consecutive months.

Primary outcomes

  1. balance

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Biodex Balance System (BBS) (BSS; Biodex, Inc, Shirley, NY) was used to evaluate each child's dynamic balance. It is a multiaxial tool that records and evaluates a person's capacity to maintain joint stability under dynamic stress. The BBS uses a circular platform that can move concurrently in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral axes, unlike force plate technologies.

  2. quadriceps muscle strength

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The Lafayette Manual Muscle Tester (MMT) Model Number 01163 combines accuracy and precision with contemporary ergonomic design to generate exact, impartial, and reliable results. The three replaceable, cushioned stirrups made it possible to employ established methods with assurance and effectiveness while preserving patient comfort

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Efficacy of Virtual Reality and Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Strength and Balance in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 14, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 14, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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