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EVALUATION OF MOTOR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY AT THE VIETNAM NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
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Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the motor function of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital in 2025. Methods: A descriptive case-series study, retrospective and prospective, in pediatric patients aged 3 years and older who were diagnosed with DMD by genetic testing and were being followed up at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, from July 2025 to December 2025. Results: A total of 32 male patients with confirmed DMD who were still ambulant participated in the motor function assessment. The average 6-minute walk (6MWT) score was 343.2 ± 130 meters, with a minimum of 100 meters and a maximum of 483 meters. The average NSAA score was 23.2 ± 9.1 points, with a minimum of 5 points and a maximum of 34 points. The 3–5-year-old group had the highest average NSAA score (29 ± 4,1 points), the 5–7-year-old group showed a clear decline (26,2 ± 12,3 points), the >7-year-old group had the lowest average score (20,9 ± 7,9 points), with several patients scoring below 15 points. Conclusions: The NSAA scores progressively decreased with age, with a marked loss of motor ability after the age of 7. Regular motor function assessments using standardized tools such as NSAA is essential for monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment effectiveness, and guiding early interventions to improve quality of life for patients with DMD.
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Keywords
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; Motor Function Assessment; NSAA Scale; 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).
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