What equipment is often managed prior to cessation of ambulation in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

In managing children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), it is important to focus on maintaining mobility and functional independence for as long as possible. Before ceasing ambulation, standing programs and scooters play a crucial role in this process. Standing programs help maintain muscle length and prevent contractures, while scooters can provide mobility alternatives for children who can no longer walk but still need to move around effectively.

These interventions are designed to maximize a child’s remaining function and ensure that they maintain an adaptive lifestyle. The importance of these tools becomes even more significant as ambulation decreases, as they enable children to have some level of independence and interaction with their environment, while also supporting their physical health and well-being.