Analysis of motor and respiratory function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients

Abstract Introduction Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD) shows motor and respiratory impairment. Methods 19 DMD patients (DMDG) (nine ambulatory and 10 non-ambulatory) were evaluated through motor function measure (MFM), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength, cough peak flow, spirometry and volumetric capnography (VCap) tools. Control group that performed spirometry and VCap (CG1-n = 17) were different from those that performed the 6MWT (CG2-n = 8). Results The follow tools were assessed (p  11 years-old): higher HR and lower slope 2. There was correlation between spirometry, mainly for zFEV 1 /FVC, and MFM. Conclusion DMDG showed motor (MFM/6MWT) and respiratory (spirometry/VCap) deterioration when compared with CG. Non-ambulatory condition was associated with worse MFM and spirometry.