The effects of calf massage in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a prospective interventional study.
Disabil Rehabil
; 43(26): 3803-3809, 2021 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32356505
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
We explored the effects of standardized calf massage in ambulant boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using a prospective study design. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
Twenty boys completed two study visits, 1 week apart. At both visits, each leg received a 10-min calf massage (intervention) and a 10-min control rest period (placebo) in randomized order. Muscle length of calf and hamstrings and gastrocnemius stiffness were measured by a blinded assessor before and after intervention and placebo. Measures of gait function (timed 10-m walk/run and spatio-temporal gait parameters); gastrocnemius muscle ultrasound findings; participant perception of leg pain, stiffness and effort of walking and general psychological well-being were also collected.RESULTS:
Consistent significant small increases in muscle length of soleus, gastrocnemius and hamstrings were recorded post-massage, and gastrocnemius stiffness decreased. Small changes in gastrocnemius and soleus length only were also recorded following the control rest period. Gait function and general well-being remained stable throughout. Measurement across both study visits suggested that gains in muscle length may be cumulative with repeated massage.CONCLUSIONS:
Calf massage is safe and associated with benefits to muscle length and stiffness for ambulant boys with DMD.Implications for RehabilitationIn a small sample of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, calf massage was found to be safe, well-tolerated and associated with increased muscle length and decreased stiffness.The use of massage may assist in managing muscle length in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Disabil Rehabil
Assunto da revista:
REABILITACAO
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Austrália