Evaluation of Serial Casting for Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report

Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2018 Feb;38(1):88-96. doi: 10.1080/01942638.2017.1280874. Epub 2017 Mar 16.

Abstract

Aim: To report the effects of below-knee serial casting in two boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who presented with well-preserved strength and calf shortening.

Methods: Bilateral below-knee serial casts were applied over two weeks with follow-up of daily stretching and wearing of customized night splints. Outcome measures were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-casting. These included measures of calf length, leg strength, motor function, endurance, and spatio-temporal gait parameters.

Results: Both boys completed serial casting with gains in muscle length. No adverse effects on strength or motor function were observed over a 12-month follow-up period.

Keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; calf muscle shortening; gait; motor function; serial casting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Casts, Surgical*
  • Child
  • Exercise Test
  • Gait / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / therapy*
  • Physical Endurance / physiology
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology