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Neurological Sciences

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01-04-2022 | Muscular Dystrophy | Original Article

Investigation of surface electromyography amplitude values during stair climbing task in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Authors: Merve Bora, Ali Yalçin, Numan Bulut, Öznur Yilmaz, Ayşe Karaduman, Semra Topuz, İpek Alemdaroğlu-Gürbüz

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Objective

The aims of this study were (a) to examine the surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude values of the lower limb muscles during stair climbing both between different functional levels of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), in comparison with healthy children, and (b) to investigate the relationships between sEMG amplitudes and physical performance.

Methods

sEMG amplitudes of the lower limbs of twenty-one children with DMD between levels I and III according to the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Scale and eleven healthy peers were evaluated by using sEMG during stair climbing task. Physical performance was evaluated by 6-min walk test and ascending 4-step timed performance test.

Results

The lower limb sEMG amplitude values of children with DMD were statistically higher than healthy children (p < 0.001). sEMG amplitudes of the right (p = 0.01) and left (p = 0.003) biceps femoris, the right (p < 0.001) and left (p = 0.001) gastrocnemius medialis, and the right vastus lateralis (p = 0.02) muscles were higher in children with levels 2–3 than those in level 1. Moderate-to-strong relations were found between the gastrocnemius medialis and biceps femoris sEMG amplitudes and physical performance assessments (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased sEMG amplitude values in the lower limbs during stair climbing task are thought to be caused by the effort to compensate for progressive muscle weakness and are associated with lower physical performance in children with DMD. Further, sEMG amplitude values are determined to increase as the functional level deteriorates.

Clinical trial registration number and URL

NCT04287582 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04287582?term=merve+bora&draw=2&rank=1).

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Title: Investigation of surface electromyography amplitude values during stair climbing task in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Merve Bora
Ali Yalçin
Numan Bulut
Öznur Yilmaz
Ayşe Karaduman
Semra Topuz
İpek Alemdaroğlu-Gürbüz
Publication date: 01-04-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05643-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Investigation of surface electromyography amplitude values during stair climbing task in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical trial registration number and URL

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical trial registration number and URL

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