Disabilities in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A profile

Proper assessment of disabilities is essential for rehabilitation of patien ts with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the disabilities in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and correlate them with impairment. Thirty-one patients with Duchenne muscu lar dystrophy of age four years and above were studied, The motor functions were evaluated using total motor score, upper and lower extremity function grades and timed function tests. Disability was quantified with Barthel in dex, The mean scores of motor scales were: total motor score -52 +/- 7.8, t otal functional grade -4.4 +/- 1.9 and timed function score -12.5 +/- 5.8. Barthel index scores ranged from 45-95 with a mean of 70.8 +/- 12.7. Motor scales correlated with each other and with Barthel index. Thirty children h ad disabilities in multiple spheres of life, which were significantly influ enced by the motor power. Barthel index was useful in identifying and quant ifying specific areas of disabilities in these children. Evaluation of disa bilities using specific measures may be crucial for planning comprehensive management.