The role of physiotherapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenneova mišićna distrofija je genetski poremećaj karakteriziran progresivnim slabljenjem svih mišića. Uzrok tome je nedostatak distrofina, a manifestira se postepenim gubitkom mišićne snage, respiratorne funkcije i kardiomiopatijama. Bolest se javlja samo u dječaka. Ne postoji određena terapija za Duchenneovu mišićnu distrofiju stoga važnu ulogu imaju fizikalna terapija i rehabilitacija. Najbitnije je pasivno istezanje, koje se provodi od strane fiziotreapeuta, odmah pri dijagnosticiranju. Istezanje pomaže u zadržavanju obima pokreta zglobova i produljuje mobilnu fazu pacijenta. Također se provode vježbe pravilnog držanja i to odmah pri dijagnosticiranju sa ciljem preveniranja nastupanja skolioze koja kasnije dovodi do poteškoća s disanjem. Vježbe disanja provode se od samog postavljanja dijagnoze, a progresijom bolesti, pacijent više nije u stanju sam hodati ili održavati sjedeći stav, potrebne su vježbe disanja jer je zahvaćena i glatka muskulatura respiratornoga sustava. Fizikalna terapija kod Duchenneove distrofije provodi se programirano, svakodnevno od strane fizioterapeuta, te kao takva produljuje i poboljšava kvalitetu života pacijenta.Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive weakening of all muscles. This is caused by a lack of dystrophin, and is manifested by a gradual loss of muscle strength, respiratory function and cardiomyopathies. The disease occurs only in boys. There is no specific therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, so physical therapy and rehabilitation play an important role. The most important thing is passive stretching, which is carried out by a physiotherapist immediately upon diagnosis. Stretching helps maintain joint range of motion and prolongs the patient's mobile phase. Correct posture exercises are also carried out immediately upon diagnosis with the aim of preventing the onset of scoliosis, which later leads to breathing difficulties. When immobility occurs, when the patient is no longer able to walk or maintain a sitting position, breathing exercises are necessary because the smooth muscles of the respiratory system are also affected. Physical therapy for Duchenne dystrophy is carried out programmed, daily by a physiotherapist, and as such prolongs and improves the patient's quality of life