Biomechanical Analysis of Gait in Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Biomechanical Analysis of Gait in Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
The purpose of this research study is to understand the walking patterns, strength and
 function changes of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy on/off corticosteroids to determine
 the best timing and treatment options to maintain walking for as long as possible.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disease of muscle characterized by
 a progressive loss of functional muscle mass, which is replaced with fibrofatty tissue.
 Historically, boys with DMD lose the ability to walk between the ages of 8-12 years, due to
 progressive weakness of the quadriceps coupled with the development of contractures at the
 hip, knee and ankle. This progressive loss in function necessitates individuals with DMD to
 spend less time walking and more time in wheelchairs, leading to the development of spinal
 deformities. Recently, corticosteroids have been shown to reduce the expected loss of muscle
 strength, extend the time that ambulation and standing are maintained, and minimize or
 eliminate spinal deformity in individuals with DMD; yet, the side effects of such treatment
 preclude use in some patients. To date, differences in gait patterns and other markers of
 disease progression between boys on corticosteroids and those not utilizing such treatment
 have not been objectively quantified. This lack of knowledge is a major obstacle to
 determining the most effective treatment for subsets of boys with DMD.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Confirmed diagnosis of DMD

 -  Male.

 -  Four years of age or older.

 -  Ability to walk independently for five minutes to 10 minutes at self-selected speed.

 -  Ability to cognitively understand directions for testing procedures.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Female

 -  Nonambulatory