Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common, progressive, irreversible muscular dystrophy. The pulmonary function is crucial for the duration of life in this disease. The European Respiratory Society is currently focused on digital health, seeking to define the realistic innovations for digital respiratory medicine to support professionals and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate whether it is possible to monitor pulmonary function at home by using an individual electronical spirometry system in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy DMD. The second aim of the study is the implementation of respiratory telerehabilitation and the assessment of its impact on pulmonary function (FVC).

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy. DMD is a genetically determined, progressive, irreversible disease in which dystrophin dysfunction in skeletal and multiple organ muscles is fatal before the age of 20 years. Respiratory muscle failure is the most common cause of death.

In the first years of life, the respiratory system of children with DMD is efficient and does not differ from that of healthy peers. From the age of 7 years, the parameters of lung function no longer increase, and between the ages of 10 to 12 years, when the child loses the ability to walk independently, the lung function rapidly deteriorates.

Currently, it is not possible to cure the disease, but appropriate medical management may improve the quality of life and prolong the survival of patients with DMD.

The basic tasks include the initiation of early monitoring of respiratory system functions. It is recommended that measurement of lung function is started from the age of 5 years. Taking the measurement at such an early age is aimed at familiarizing and teaching the child about this type of systematic examination and determining the individual maximum parameters of lung function in each child. Thanks to systematic measurements, it is possible to detect any sharp deterioration as well as the moment when the decreasing lung function requires respiratory support, so-called non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

According to the standards, lung function is assessed by spirometry, which should be performed at least once a year, at least every 6 months after losing independent walking, and every 3 months after starting non-invasive ventilation.

The spirometry test assesses forced vital capacity (FVC), which is considered a marker of disease progression. An FVC value below 2.1 L is a rationale to start supporting the cough reflex, and below 1 L is an indication to start respiratory support, i.e. NIV.

Implementation of the above-mentioned tests often encounters difficulties that increase when the child loses independent walking. Additionally, during the COVID pandemic, spirometry was included in the procedures generating aerosols, i.e. high risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission. Therefore, it has become necessary to look for other methods of measuring and monitoring lung function in children with DMD.

The presented project aims to evaluate the measurement of lung function at home using an individual spirometer called an AIOCARE.

The AioCare spirometer is a small, convenient device that can be used anywhere. The device enables systematic non-invasive monitoring of lung parameters (including FVC measurement) at home in children over 5 years of age. The child inhales and exhales forcefully through a mouthpiece with antibacterial and antiviral filters. The test results are sent from the AioCare spirometer via the AioCare application for iOS and Android (as used by all current smartphones). Communication between the AioCare spirometer and the application takes place via a Bluetooth 4.0 (BT LE) connection. The spirometry results are available to the practitioner in real-time in the AIOCARE Doctor panel.

Additionally, a module with exercises for training respiratory muscles, included in an additional smartphone application, will be added to the daily spirometry test as part of the project.

It will be a series of 4 exercises aimed at strengthening respiratory muscles, to be performed before the spirometry test.

The assumption of the exercises is the possibility of performing them independently, at home, without the assistance of a physiotherapist, and without the use of additional equipment. Participants will perform forced exhalation exercises with a relaxed epiglottis, exercises to improve the mechanics of the chest and the mobility of the shoulder girdle. The exercises will be performed each day. The duration of the exercises is approximately 7 minutes. The exercise program will be recorded in the form of an instructional video.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the key issues in DMD patient management. The combination of systematic lung function measurement with home respiratory rehabilitation is an innovative project. It is a non-invasive test, and the measurement is intended to improve the quality of life of DMD patients.

Aims of the study:

1. to assess pulmonary function for 12 months using home electronic monitoring (AioCare System) in DMD participants aged 7-18 years (number of participants with increase FVC %pv, L value).
2. to assess the acceptance of electronic home monitoring of a respiratory system in this group of patients (number of participants accepted home e-monitoring, survey).
3. to compare the results from home electronic spirometry (AioCare) with results from hospital spirometry (Jaeger, Germany) - (value of FVC%pv, L).
4. to investigate whether it is possible to conduct respiratory physical therapy with the use of telerehabilitation in DMD patients (number of patients accepted telerehabilitation, survey).
5. to evaluate the impact of home telerehabilitation on pulmonary function (number of patients with increased FVC%pv, L value)
6. to assess the quality of life of patients subjected to electronic monitoring and pulmonary rehabilitation vs. not subjected

Study group: 200 participants with DMD aged 7-18 years, in the 4 arms (50 participants each): (1) subjected to home electronic monitoring exercises with the AIOCARE device, (2) home electronic monitoring with AioCareand pulmonary rehabilitation; (3) telerehabilitation of respiratory system; (4) control group - no interventions.

Duration of the project March 2021 - March 2025.

Inclusion Criteria:

• male, ≥7 years and <18 years of age at the time of enrollment in the study;
• ability to perform spirometry;
• stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• no consent to participate in the study;
• patients under 7 years of age or above 18 years of age;
• inability to perform spirometry