A new study published in Perceptual and Motor Skills found that boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can begin to lose trunk control (the ability to keep the torso upright) earlier than previously thought, even while they’re still able to walk. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring trunk function from the earliest stages of the disease and tailoring rehabilitation programs to preserve mobility and posture.
Researchers followed 18 ambulant boys with DMD over the course of a year. They measured their trunk control at the beginning of the study, again six months later and once more at the one-year mark. Using a tool called the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo), the team evaluated each boy’s ability to maintain posture, perform movements and recover from balance disruptions.
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At the start, most boys had full trunk control, but by six months, the researchers observed significant declines. After a year, the group’s average score had dropped even further. In total, 12 of the boys lost trunk stability during the study period, four stayed the same, one lost the ability to walk and one died.
Perhaps most striking was that trunk decline did not always correspond to overall disease stage. Some boys in earlier stages of DMD already had weak trunk control, while others with more advanced stages still had relatively strong trunks. This suggests that relying only on general staging scales may not give the full picture of a child’s abilities, and supports the need for individualized assessment.
Trunk control plays an important role in maintaining posture, balance and stability. Loss of trunk strength contributes not only to mobility difficulties but also to secondary complications such as scoliosis, spinal deformities and respiratory decline.
The study’s authors point out that early interventions may help slow decline. Previous research has shown that targeted trunk exercises, such as stretching, stabilization routines and functional reaching tasks, can improve postural control, even in the context of a progressive condition like DMD. By focusing on trunk stability sooner, clinicians and families may be able to preserve independence and delay some complications.
The researchers say the findings also suggest that trunk assessments should be conducted every six months to detect subtle declines before they manifest in more obvious functional loss. This could help guide therapy programs, adaptive equipment choices and daily activities in a way that supports both comfort and quality of life.
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