The association between trunk control and upper limb functions of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate whether trunk control is associated with the upper limb function of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Methods: The children included in the study were divided into two groups according to the Trunk Control Measurement Scale total scores. Twenty-five children whose trunk control levels were lower than 30.5 points were included in Group 1 while 31 children who had good levels of trunk control between 30.5 and 58 points were included in Group 2. General functional levels, muscular strength, and function of the upper limb were assessed and compared between the groups. Results: According to the results of the assessments, children in Group 2 were found to have better upper limb function and muscular strength than Group 1 (p <.001). Conclusions: The current study demonstrated better upper limb functional performance of children with DMD that had good-level trunk control thus suggesting the possible association between trunk stability and upper limb function. The results reveal the need to improve and protect trunk muscle strength and stability as well as upper limb strength, and to optimize trunk stability during upper limb movement in rehabilitation programs.