Effect of Using Orthoses on Prolonging Ambulation in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Review of Literature

The walking ability of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy gradually decreases due to advancing weakness and muscle contracture. Lower limb orthoses are often prescribed in an attempt to prolong ambulation in these patients. Objective: To perform a literature review in order to verify the relationship between using orthoses and prolonging ambulation. Method: A literature review was performed in the PUBMED, PEDRO, and SCIELO databases with the keywords orthoses, bracing, gait, gait loss, ambulation, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Results: In 14 selected articles the prescription of knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO) (also called long orthoses) and anklefoot orthoses (AFO) was identified, always associated with another therapeutic intervention. Most studies have reported that the use of such a device prolongs ambulation. Conclusion: The use of orthoses, regardless of type, prolongs ambulation, because it delays the progress of muscle contracture. Thus, the early use of AFO is recommended in order to minimize the functional impairment characteristic of the disease