The Role of Occupational Therapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Author of bachelor thesis: Adéla Janatová Thesis supervisor: Bc. Zuzana Rodová, M.Sc. Title of bachelor thesis: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Abstract of bachelor thesis: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common childhood neuromuscular disease and is characterised by progressive symmetrical muscular weakness of the girdle and trunk muscles. This disease is linked to the X chromosome and therefore affects mostly males. This progressive muscular disease gradually leads to limited mobility and high dependence in activities of daily living. Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy need constant care based on a multidisciplinary approach. Around age 10, because of the progression of the disease, they lose the ability to walk independently and they become dependent on a wheelchair. In the second decade of their lives the weakness spreads to the upper limbs, their lung capacity decreases, and cardiac abnormalities begin to appear. Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have a life expectancy of about 35 years. The goal of this bachelor thesis is to describe the role of occupational therapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and to show its irreplaceability. The theoretical part of this bachelor thesis describes the general issues concerning the prevalence of the..