Quantification of muscle strength and motor ability in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy on steroid therapy

Abstract

Objective: An assessment protocol was applied to quantify and describe muscular strength and motor abilities of 32 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), aged between 5 and 12 years on steroid therapy.

Method: Assessments were made monthly for the first six months and with intervals of two months thereafter until the 14-month end point. The tests employed included: the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale; the Hammersmith motor ability score; maximum weight lift; timed rise from floor and nine-meter walk.

Results: The results showed that loss of muscular strength and motor abilities were slowed in comparison to that observed in the natural evolution of the disease according to the literature.

Conclusion: We conclude that a swift and objective assessment may be performed using the MRC scale for lower limbs and trunk, the Hammersmith motor ability score, timed nine-meter walk and weight lifts.