Saskia Ls Houwen-van Opstal, Maaike Pelsma, Yolanda Mem van den Elzen, Laura Jb Merkenhof, Tamara P Popping-De Vries, Jan T Groothuis, Menno van der Holst, Edith Hc Cup
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
BackgroundShortening of the long finger flexors (FDP) results in extension limitation of both wrist and fingers and can hinder important activities of the upper extremities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Early detection of FDP shortening is important for timely interventions, but reliable measurement of FDP length is difficult.AimTo develop a new instrument to monitor FDP shortening more easily and precisely and to determine its intra -and interrater reliability.Materials and methodsThe new instrument, called the 'FlexYonio', was clinically developed according to biomechanical standards to be able to monitor FDP length, by measuring range of motion of wrist extension with extended fingers. A prospective reliability study was conducted during annual outpatient visits of people with DMD at the neuromuscular center of the Radboudumc. Repeated measures were conducted and two raters assessed the FDP length with the new instrument using a standardized measurement protocol. Reliability was measured using intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation.ResultsThe 'FlexYonio' was easy to use and became part of the standard daily clinical care in DMD in the Radboudumc. For reliability, 86 arm/hands were assessed; the intra- and interrater reliability were excellent with ICC > 0.99. The within-rater limits of agreement were -6 to 8 degrees and the between-raters -11 to 13 degrees.ConclusionThe 'FlexYonio', in combination with the standardized measurement protocol, is a promising, easy to use, and reliable tool to support the monitoring of FDP shortening in people with DMD, who are able to extend their fingers.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases aims to facilitate progress in understanding the molecular genetics/correlates, pathogenesis, pharmacology, diagnosis and treatment of acquired and genetic neuromuscular diseases (including muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, spinal muscular atrophy, neuropathies, myopathies, myotonias and myositis). The journal publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, letters-to-the-editor, and will consider research that has negative findings. The journal is dedicated to providing an open forum for original research in basic science, translational and clinical research that will improve our fundamental understanding and lead to effective treatments of neuromuscular diseases.