this study aimed to mention Does whole-body vibration training or gravity-force stimulation produce greater improvements in postural stability among children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive X-linked neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle fiber degeneration due to mutations in the dystrophin gene (Birnkrant et al., 2018). As muscle weakness advances, children with DMD experience impaired postural control, reduced balance function, and increased risk of falls, all of which significantly contribute to limitations in daily activities and loss of independence (Ricotti et al., 2016). Early therapeutic interventions are essential to slow functional decline and promote motor stability for as long as possible. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has emerged as a potential modality to enhance neuromuscular activation, proprioception, and balance in individuals with muscle weakness or neurological impairments. Studies suggest that low-frequency WBV can improve muscle spindle sensitivity, postural reactions, and balance performance in pediatric and neuromuscular populations (Brunetti et al., 2015; Saquetto et al., 2015). Although research involving children with DMD is limited, preliminary evidence indicates that WBV may transiently enhance motor function without excessive muscle strain. Gravity-force stimulation (GFS)-often delivered through tilt platforms, vertical acceleration devices, or graded gravitational loading-has been proposed as another means to stimulate proprioceptive pathways and increase postural control. GFS can enhance sensory input from weight-bearing structures and may promote improved equilibrium response strategies in children with neuromotor impairments (Bates \& Hanson, 2019). However, its application specifically in DMD remains under-studied, and direct comparisons with WBV have not been adequately explored.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Thirty children received: • Gravity-Force Stimulation (GFS), which included: * Exercises will be designed to enhance postural control and trunk stability while exposed to controlled gravitational loading. * Active or active-assisted stabilization exercises performed while experiencing graded gravitational forces. * Arm exercises performed with the trunk stabilized to challenge neuromuscular control under increased gravitational demand. * Trunk mobilization exercises (in sitting and lying positions) performed under conditions simulating increased gravitational load. * Functional reaching activities with varied ranges of shoulder elevation, supported by the physiotherapist to ensure proper control during gravitational stimulation.
we use vibrating platform •
Cairo university
Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
abdominal muscle thickness
measure the abdominal muscle thickness
Time frame: 3 months
postural stability
• BIODEX MEDICAL SYSTEM used for assessment of postural stability and balance
Time frame: 3 months
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