Journal article
The effects of calf massage in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a prospective interventional study
K Carroll, EM Yiu, MM Ryan, RA Kennedy, K de Valle
Disability and Rehabilitation | TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD | Published : 2021
Abstract
Purpose: We explored the effects of standardized calf massage in ambulant boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using a prospective study design. Materials and Methods: 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 walki..
View full abstractGrants
Funding Acknowledgements
This study was supported by the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Australia. EMY is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Early career fellowship. These funding sources had no involvement in study design, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, report writing or decision to submit for publication.