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- Title
The Effects of an Eight-Week Individualized Aquatic Therapy Program on Quality of Life in Children with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.
- Authors
Adams, S.; Hutton, S.; Janszen, A.; Rawson, R.; Sisk, C.; Stenger, S.; Ennis, E.
- Abstract
Background and Purpose: Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that begins with weakness in proximal musculature and progresses to impact distal and respiratory muscles. Because pulmonary complications are the leading cause of mortality, emphasis in rehabilitation is placed on maintaining functional mobility and pulmonary strength for as long as possible. Stretching, strengthening and bracing are mainstays of current care, and therapists look for ways to engage these young men in meaningful activities to maintain function. Aquatics is a community activity that can also be used for therapeutic purposes. However, it can have a negative impact on respiratory function. Therefore, this small case series began to investigate the use of aquatics in young males with DMD at various points in the disease progression. Case Description: Data was collected and intervention performed at an aquatic therapy center that is open to and used by the public. This makes it a community based intervention, although somewhat specialized. Parents were present but did not enter the pool. Pool temperature was 91 degrees, which maintained core temperature given the lower level of activity being performed by the participants, while facilitating muscle relaxation and range of motion. Intervention was 8 weeks, addressing strengthening, range of motion and pulmonary function in various depths of water, individualized to the needs of the child, but including some group activities targeting respiratory function. Peds-QL DMD parent report module was used to measure quality of life. These were administered prior to the first session, and again after 8 weeks (beginning of week 9). Outcomes of three different males were analyzed. Outcomes: All three subjects showed improvement in PEDS-QL scores post treatment, as rated by their parent. Whille there is some bias to the parent report surveys, it is possible that the socialization aspect of the group activity provided a benefit to the participants. Discussion: no adverse effects were noted throughout the program, related to warm water, increased activity or over-fatigue. Further study is needed to confirm the impact of aquatic activity on pulmonary function in children with Duchene muscular dystrophy, but findings in these cases were promising, leading to the benefit of early use of aquatics in young men with DMD.
- Subjects
AQUATIC exercises; DUCHENNE muscular dystrophy; EXERCISE physiology; PARENTS; PHYSICAL therapy for children; QUALITY of life; CHILDREN
- Publication
Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 2017, Vol 25, Issue 2, p68
- ISSN
2377-6102
- Publication type
Article