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Neuropediatrics 2022; 53(05): 330-337
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750722
Original Article

The Impact of “Fear of Falling” on Physical Performance, Balance, and Ambulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

İpek Alemdaroğlu-Gürbüz 
1   Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
,
Canan İpek
1   Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
,
Numan Bulut
1   Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
,
Ayşe Karaduman
2   Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, Turkey
,
Öznur Yılmaz
1   Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
› Institutsangaben Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate falls and the fear of falling (FOF) in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and to determine the relationships between the FOF and physical performance, balance, and ambulation.

Methods Thirty-eight ambulatory children with DMD were included in the study. The functional level, falling history, FOF, physical performance, balance, and ambulation were assessed by using Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification, History of Falls Questionnaire, Pediatric Fear of Falling Questionnaire (Ped-FOF), timed performance tests, Timed “Up and Go” (TUG) test, and North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), respectively.

Results Of the 38 children (mean age: 9.00 ± 2.03 years) 97.4% had a history of serious fall last year and 62.2% were injured due to this fall. The Ped-FOF score was 13.79 ± 7.20. Weak to moderate relations were determined between Ped-FOF and functional level (r = 0.33), frequency of falls (r = 0.41), duration of climbing 4-steps (r = 0.38), TUG (r = 0.36), and NSAA (r = –0.32) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Ambulatory children with better performance scores had lower levels of FOF despite their history of serious falls and injuries. FOF tends to increase as the symptoms of the disease progresses. Investigating the history of falls and FOF from the earliest period will guide to take precautions and make necessary interventions on time in treatment programs.

Keywords

Duchenne muscular dystrophy - fall history - fear of falling - balance ability - ambulation - physical performance


Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 22. Dezember 2021

Angenommen: 09. Mai 2022

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
28. August 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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