The effect of aerobic training on motor function and muscle architecture in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A randomized controlled study

Objective To explore the effects of aerobic training adding to home-based exercise program on motor function and muscle architectural properties in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Design This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Setting Pediatric neuromuscular clinic in a tertiary care center. Subjects Children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Interventions Children were randomly divided into two groups whereby 12-weeks aerobic training was additionally given in treatment group in contrast to the control group which received only home-based exercise program. Main Measures Motor Function Measure and Six Minute Walk Test were used for clinical evaluation, and muscle architectural properties (thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length) were measured by ultrasound imaging. Both groups were assessed at baseline and after 12-weeks of training. Results Median age of children was 7.9 years in the treatment group and 8.6 years in the control group (p > 0.05). Significant improvements were obtained for Motor Function Measure and Six Minute Walk Test from baseline to 12-weeks in the treatment group; Motor Function Measure total score changed from 83.2 (6.1) to 86.9 (4.0) vs. 82.3 (10.2) to 80.4 (9.4) points in the control group (p  =  0.006); 6 Minute Walk Test distance changed from 395.3 (46.6) to 413.0 (52.3) vs. 421.7 (64.4) to 393.8 (68.2) meters in the control group (p < 0.001). However, muscle architectural parameters did not change during study period (p > 0.05). Conclusion Aerobic training may be of additional value in improving motor function and performance with no remarkable effect on muscle architectural properties.