Timed immersion expiration measures in patients with muscular dystrophies

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Muscular dystrophies (MD) cause muscle weakness, affecting motor and respiratory functions. Aquatic activities maintain strength and ventilatory function and may require immersion expiration control. Objectives (1) To describe the evolution of timed immersion expiration in patients with MD in one-year follow-up. (2) to describe motor and respiratory outcomes in one-year follow-up. (3) to investigate possible relationships between timed immersion expiration and age, motor and respiratory functions. Method Fifty-seven patients with MD (12–35 years, Vignos scale 2–8) were evaluated twice, with one-year interval. Immersion expiration control was timed with a chronometer. Motor function was assessed by Motor Function Measure. The respiratory function was evaluated by spirometry. Analysis of variance compared assessments and Pearson tests investigated relationships between variables and age. Results Motor and respiratory functions decreased (p < 0.001) but timed immersion expiration was maintained. Timed immersion expiration was not correlated to motor and respiratory functions. Conclusion As patients maintained timed immersion expiration in the one-year follow-up, aquatic therapy might be a facilitator for people with MD.