title: Different types of upper extremity exercise training in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: effects on functional performance, strength, endurance, and ambulation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We investigated and compared the effects of 2 different types of upper extremity exercise training on upper extremity function, strength, endurance, and ambulation in patients with early-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group (n = 12) exercised with an arm ergometer under the supervision of a physiotherapist, whereas the control group (n = 12) underwent a strengthening range-of-motion (ROM) exercise program under the supervision of their families at home for 8 weeks. Upper extremity functional performance, strength, endurance, and ambulatory status were assessed before and after the training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ambulation scores, endurance, and arm functions, as well as proximal muscle strength, were improved after the training in the study group (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results demonstrate that upper extremity training with an arm ergometer is more effective in preserving and improving the functional level of early-stage DMD patients compared to ROM exercises alone.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ipek
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Alemdaroğlu
authors.forename: Ayşe
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karaduman
authors.forename: Öznur Tunca
authors.initials: ÖT
authors.lastname: Yilmaz
authors.forename: Haluk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Topaloğlu
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; endurance; exercise; function; upper extremity