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Benefits of powered standing wheelchair devices for adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the first year of use
Author(s) -
Bayley Klair,
Parkinson Stephanie,
Jacoby Peter,
Cross Donna,
Morris Sue,
Vorster Nitamarie,
Schofield Cara,
Kava Maina,
Siafarikas Aris,
Evans Kerry,
Gaynor Odette,
Chiu Linda,
Ryan Monique M,
Cairns Anita,
Clark Damian,
Downs Jenny
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.14963
Subject(s) - medicine , duchenne muscular dystrophy , physical therapy , wheelchair , ankle , physical medicine and rehabilitation , mental health , confidence interval , muscular dystrophy , psychiatry , surgery , world wide web , computer science
Aim Poorer physical and mental health often accompany loss of walking in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This study assessed the impacts of powered wheelchair standing device (PWSD) use on muscle and joint pain, joint angles when standing and mental health in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods Fourteen adolescents and parents participated in a stepped wedge design study over 12 months. During a baseline and intervention period, adolescents described pain and mental health, and parents reported their child's mental health. Video data were collected to measure hip, knee and ankle joint angles in the preferred standing position. Results Compared with baseline and adjusting for covariates, standing wheelchair use was associated with no change in muscle or joint pain or videoed joint angles in standing. Child‐reported Strengths and Difficulties total scores decreased (coefficient −3.1, 95% confidence interval −4.6, −1.5); and parent‐reported Personal Adjustment and Role Skills Scale total scores increased (coefficient 7.9, 95% confidence interval 3.3–12.5). Conclusions PWSD use was associated with maintenance of musculoskeletal status and advantages to mental health. Long‐term observations are necessary to improve understanding of how to support wellbeing in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.