The Relationship between Wheelchair Type and Impairments among Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between wheelchair type and impairments among patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Participants were 52 patients with DMD who used wheelchairs for daily locomotion. We assessed muscle strength, spinal deformity, sitting balance, respiratory function and ADL among 4 groups using different types of wheelchairs (manual wheelchair, manual wheelchair attached with powered component, powered wheelchair, and assist type wheelchair). Spinal deformity was related with wheelchair type. Muscle strength, peak flow and FIM motor score were significantly different among the four groups. The duration of daily use of ventilators was significantly different between the powered wheelchair users and the completely dependent group.