Reducing iliotibial band contractures in patients with muscular dystrophy using custom dry floatation cushions.
OBJECTIVE
Custom dry floatation cushions were used to potentially reduce iliotibial band (ITB) contractures in long-term wheelchair users.


METHODS
Time-series with repeated measures pretreatment and posttreatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 months.


METHODS
Community wheelchair users seen in private office.


METHODS
A volunteer sample of nine subjects diagnosed with Duchenne's or limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, nonambulatory at least 3 years, and able to lie prone were included. One subject dropped out owing to adverse effects, one for technical reasons. Seven subjects completed the study and were contacted 6 months later; two were evaluated 1 year later. The participants ranged in age from 9 to 69 years, were nonambulatory an average of 7 years, and spent 12 to 16 hours a day in their wheelchairs.


METHODS
Subjects used custom dry floatation (ROHO) wheelchair cushions for 9 weeks. The cushions were designed with a sunken middle portion and separately inflated lateral portions, providing adduction to the thighs.


METHODS
ITB contractures were measured using goniometry every 3 weeks, twice before and three times after cushion delivery.


RESULTS
After 9 weeks, a 13 degrees average decrease in ITB contracture was noted, representing a 34% change from baseline (p < .001, 99% confidence intervals, paired one-tailed t test).


CONCLUSIONS
Using a custom dry floatation cushion for 9 weeks reduced ITB contractures in nonambulatory muscular dystrophy patients by an average 34%. Patients with large initial ITB contractures benefited the most. Such a cushion could be used to reduce ITB contractures in similar patient populations.
Wong
C K
CK
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Wade
C K
CK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003286:Contracture / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000150:complications*; D011187:Posture; D013977:Tibia; D014910:Wheelchairs