Yearly motor function changes in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, including a COVID-19 behavioral restriction period.

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the motor function status of ambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2020, which included a 3-month period of behavioral restriction due to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in comparison to the previous 2 years. [Participants and Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients (children with mean age: 9.58 ± 3.43 years in 2020). Parameters such as lower leg maximum circumference, 10-m running time, rising-from-the-floor time, ankle joint range-of-motion, 6-min walk distance, and North Star Ambulatory Assessment score were evaluated. [Results] Significant increases in the maximum right thigh circumference and prolonged 10-m running time were observed in 2020. Interestingly, an unexpected improvement in ankle dorsiflexion angle was noted in both ankles. No other statistically significant differences were observed among the assessed time points. [Conclusion] These findings highlight the critical importance of continuous exercise and rehabilitation for ambulatory children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, emphasizing the potential of rehabilitation to mitigate and restore the transient motor function deterioration observed during periods of behavioral restrictions.