Relation Between Muscle Architecture and Functional Ability in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Deraya University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Neuromuscular Disorders; Muscle Architecture; Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07437378

DU-PT-DMD-ARCH-001

Details and patient eligibility

About

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive X-linked neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle degeneration, pseudohypertrophy, and declining functional mobility. This cross-sectional observational study investigates the relationship between gastrocnemius muscle architecture and functional ability in ambulatory children with DMD. Muscle thickness and fascicle length were assessed using ultrasonography and correlated with motor function and ankle plantarflexion during gait.

Full description

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, fatty infiltration, fibrosis, and loss of functional capacity during childhood. Although pseudohypertrophy may cause apparent enlargement of calf muscles, structural changes do not necessarily reflect muscle quality or functional performance.

This cross-sectional observational study included 26 ambulatory male children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with DMD. Participants underwent a single comprehensive assessment session.

Muscle architecture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated using 2-dimensional ultrasonography (Mindray DP-10, 7.5 MHz probe) to measure muscle thickness and fascicle length.

Functional ability was assessed using:

• The Motor Function Measure (MFM-32)
• The Vignos Scale
• Timed 10-Meter Walk Test

Ankle plantarflexion range of motion during gait was measured using Kinovea motion analysis software with 2D digital video analysis.

Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between muscle architectural parameters and functional ability measures.

No therapeutic intervention, randomization, or group allocation was performed.

Enrollment: 26 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 6 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Age 6-12 years
• Ambulatory
• Vignos Scale grades 1-7
• Presence of calf pseudohypertrophy
• Absence of severe cardiac or pulmonary disease

Exclusion criteria

• Non-ambulatory
• Severe cognitive impairment
• History of lower limb trauma or fracture
• Inability to cooperate with assessment
• Lack of parental consent

Trial design

26 participants in 1 patient group

Ambulatory Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Description:

Male children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and able to ambulate. Participants underwent assessment of gastrocnemius muscle architecture using ultrasonography and evaluation of functional ability using standardized outcome measures during a single assessment session. No intervention was administered.