Virtual Reality and Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Strength and Balance in Children With DMD

Efficacy of Virtual Reality and Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Strength and Balance in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

we measure balance and quadriceps strength in Duchenne muscular dystrophy children after applying virtual reality and whole body vibration

Two groups of fifty children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aged 6 to 10, were randomly assigned after being selected from the outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University. Both groups (A and B) participated in physical treatment for three consecutive months; group (A) had designed physical therapy in addition to virtual reality, whereas group (B) had the same physical therapy program with whole-body vibration three times per week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• children diagnosed with DMD
• aged between 6 and 10 years
• having lower extremities and trunk muscle strength of grade 3+
• were able to move their upper and lower limbs normally and being able to walk unhindered at levels I and II of the Ambulation function classification system for DMD (AFCSD)

Exclusion Criteria:

• cardiopulmonary dysfunction or skeletal abnormalities that are either congenital or acquired
• had previously experienced lower limb surgical procedure
• had neurological conditions that affected their balance and gait or had poor motor development
• exhibited behavioural disorders preventing them from cooperating during the trial
• being overweight (body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/ m2) because a lot of fat makes it hard for the ultrasound to measure thickness