title: Surface EMG to assess arm function in boys with DMD: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preserving functional abilities of the upper extremities is a major concern in boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). To assess disease progression and treatments, good knowledge on arm function in boys with DMD is essential. Therefore, feasibility and validity of the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) to assess arm function in boys with DMD was examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five boys with DMD and 6 age-matched controls participated in this study. Single joint movements and ADL activities were examined while recording sEMG of main shoulder and elbow muscles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All boys with DMD and controls were able to perform the non standardized movements of the measurement protocol, however one boy with DMD was not able to perform all the standardized movements. Boys with DMD used significantly more of their maximal muscle capacity for all muscles to conduct movements compared to controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The measurement protocol was feasible to assess arm function in boys with DMD. This tool was able to discriminate between DMD patients and controls.
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: Mariska.Janssen@radboudumc.nl.
authors.forename: Mariska M H P
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.affiliation: MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jaap
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harlaar
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Imelda J M
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: de Groot
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Study protocol; Surface electromyography; Upper extremity