Abstract

The first aim of the study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of functional balance tests in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and the second aim was to examine the relation between balance tests and motor functions in children with DMD. Timed up and go test (TUG) and functional reach test (FRT) were used for the evaluation of balance. Hammersmith motor ability scale (HMAS) was used to assess motor functions. Test-retest reliability was determined by using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the relation between balance tests and HMAS. Both TUG and FRT had good test-retest reliability. ICC score for TUG was 0.86 (95%, CI=0.69 to 0.94) and 0.96 (95%, CI=0.92 to 0.98) for FRT. A significant negative correlation was found between TUG and HMAS with a correlation coefficient of r_ho= -0.69, p<0.01. A significant positive correlation was found between FRT and HMAS with a correlation coefficient of r_ho= 0.47, p<0.05. Our results provide evidence that, FRT and TUG are reliable measures and may be used to monitor change over time, particularly following interventions that aim to improve motor functions in children with DMD.

Key words: Duchenne muscular dystrophy, balance tests, reliability.