Pelvic obliquity, trunk control, and motor function: an exploratory study in a non-ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy cohort.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pelvic obliquity and trunk control, spinal deformity, upper extremity functional performance, and motor function in patients with non-ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 21 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged 8-18 years. In the study, participants' upper extremity functional levels, pelvic obliquity degrees, spinal deformity, trunk control, upper extremity performance, and motor functions were evaluated using various tools such as the Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Scale, baseline scoliometer, spinal mouse, Trunk Control Measurement Scale, Upper Extremity Performance Scale, and Egen Klassifikation Scale Version 2, respectively.

Results: The study found a strong correlation between pelvic obliquity and frontal spine deformity (p<0.01), as well as moderate relationships between pelvic obliquity, motor function, wheelchair usage duration, and knee flexion contractures (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The study found that pelvic obliquity may lead to spinal health deterioration and motor function limitations in non-ambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, especially those with lower extremity joint contractures and long-term wheelchair use.