Longitudinal Community Walking Activity in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

TitleLongitudinal Community Walking Activity in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsFowler EG, Staudt LA, Heberer KR, Sienko SE, Buckon CE, Bagley AM, Sussman MD, McDonald CM
JournalMuscle Nerve
Volume57
Issue3
Pagination401-406
Date Published2018 03
ISSN1097-4598
KeywordsAdolescent, Child, Child, Preschool, Disease Progression, Gait, Humans, Male, Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne, Walking
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Natural history studies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have not included measures of community ambulation.

METHODS: Step activity (SA) monitors quantified community ambulation in 42 boys (ages 4-16 years) with DMD with serial enrollment up to 5 years by using a repeated-measures mixed model. Additionally, data were compared with 10-meter walk/run (10mWR) speed to determine validity and sensitivity.

RESULTS: There were significant declines in average strides/day and percent strides at moderate, high and pediatric high rates as a function of age (P < 0.05). Significant correlations for 10mWR versus high and low stride rates were found at baseline (P < 0.05). SA outcomes were sensitive to change over 1 year, but the direction and parameter differed by age group (younger vs. older). Changes in strides/day and percentages of high frequency and low frequency strides correlated significantly with changes in 10mWR speed (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION: Community ambulation data provide valid and sensitive real-world measures that may inform clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 57: 401-406, 2018.

DOI10.1002/mus.25743
Alternate JournalMuscle Nerve
PubMed ID28692198