A recent study published in Pediatric Neurology found that children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are less likely to participate in many everyday activities than children without DMD, often because of challenges in their physical environment, such as a lack of barrier-free routes and accessible desks.
Researchers examined how various environmental factors, including physical surroundings, social support and community attitudes, might influence daily participation. The study compared 30 boys with DMD, aged 5 to 13, with 30 typically developing boys of the same age. Authors assessed participation in daily activities, school involvement, recreation and relationships, while also evaluating environmental supports at home and in the community.
Participation was assessed using a validated questionnaire that examines how children engage in daily activities, while environmental conditions were evaluated with a tool that measures accessibility, support and attitudes in the child’s environment.
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Children with DMD demonstrated decreased participation in various areas, including personal care, fitness, mobility, school activities, friendships and recreation. However, their involvement in nutrition-related and communication activities was similar to that of typically developing boys their age.
Researchers also looked at whether specific environmental conditions influenced participation. They found that greater environmental barriers were linked to lower participation in children with DMD. These barriers included issues related to the physical environment, available support from others and community attitudes.
Physical environmental obstacles, such as a lack of adapted desks or wheelchairs, had the strongest connection to participation. The authors explained, “the physical environment [was] the only factor independently associated with participation.”
Overall, the study found that the physical environmental factors together accounted for about one-third of the differences in participation scores among children with DMD.
Because participation is so vital for learning, social growth and well-being, the authors emphasized the importance of regularly assessing participation in children with DMD. They also highlighted the crucial role occupational therapists can play in identifying obstacles, supporting families and suggesting environmental changes.
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