For a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the MOST appropriate rehabilitation goal is:

For a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the MOST appropriate rehabilitation goal is:

• A. Prevention of contractures and determine method of mobility
• B. Preservation of strength and muscle tone
• C. Inhibition of abnormal tone and facilitation of normal movement and position reaction
• D. Facilitation of normal movement and improvement of strength

Answer: (A)

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, muscles progressively weaken and joints tend to develop fixed tightness (contractures) if not managed. The most important rehabilitation aim is to prevent those contractures and plan how the child will move as weakness advances. By maintaining joint range and proper positioning, you preserve functional options for as long as possible and determine when and how to transition to assistive devices like braces or a wheelchair. Trying to preserve strength or “normalize” tone is less impactful because the disease steadily progresses and gains in strength are limited; emphasis on strength improvement isn’t realistically altering the course and can increase fatigue. Similarly, focusing on inhibiting abnormal tone or forcing normal movement doesn’t address the primary limiting factor—the development of fixed deformities and the need for an appropriate mobility plan. So preventing contractures and determining the best mobility strategy directly supports functional independence as the disease advances.

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, muscles progressively weaken and joints tend to develop fixed tightness (contractures) if not managed. The most important rehabilitation aim is to prevent those contractures and plan how the child will move as weakness advances. By maintaining joint range and proper positioning, you preserve functional options for as long as possible and determine when and how to transition to assistive devices like braces or a wheelchair. Trying to preserve strength or “normalize” tone is less impactful because the disease steadily progresses and gains in strength are limited; emphasis on strength improvement isn’t realistically altering the course and can increase fatigue. Similarly, focusing on inhibiting abnormal tone or forcing normal movement doesn’t address the primary limiting factor—the development of fixed deformities and the need for an appropriate mobility plan. So preventing contractures and determining the best mobility strategy directly supports functional independence as the disease advances.