Investigation of the relationship between dual-task performance and functionality and psychosocial features in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A controlled study

Abstract

Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate the variations in dual-task performance between children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and their typically developed peers. Simultaneously, we explored the impact of psychosocial features and functional parameters on dual-task performance in children with DMD.

Methods and procedures

A total of 45 children with DMD and 49 typically developed peers were included in the study. After recording the demographic information of the children, the motor-motor and cognitive-motor dual-task performances of all children were assessed by adding motor (carrying a half-filled bottle of water in both hands) and cognitive tasks (mental practice and memory) to the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Then Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification (BLEFC), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), Gait Assessment Scale for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD-GAS), Four Square Step Test (FSST), Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)-Neuromuscular Module, and Pediatric Fear of Falling Questionnaire (Ped-FOF) were assessed for motor performance, ambulation levels, walking abilities, balance, cognitive levels, quality of life, and fear of falling, respectively.

Results

In our study, a significant difference was found between the dual-task performances of children with DMD and their typically developed peers, with typically developed children performing better in motor-motor, cognitive motor/mental, and cognitive motor/memory tasks (p < 0.001). Relationships were identified between the dual-task performances of DMD children and the 6MWT (r: −0.715; −0.651; −0.641; respectively), NSAA (r: −0.669; −0.434; −0.451; respectively) DMD-GAS (r: −0.626; −0.409; −0.424; respectively), FSST (r: 0.747; 0.534; 0.503; respectively), PedsQL-Neuromuscular Module (parent report) (r: −0.432; −0.340; −0.357; respectively), and Ped-FOF (r: 0.512; 0.449; 0.436; respectively), (p < 0.05).

Conclusions and implications

Our study indicated that dual-task performance in children with DMD is lower than that of their peers, and it is related to the children's motor skills, ambulation levels, and psychosocial features. These findings suggest that incorporating assessments and approaches for dual-task performance into rehabilitation programs aimed at preserving or improving motor functions, ambulation levels, and quality of life may be important for a holistic approach to managing the disease.