Why is prolonged standing important for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Prolonged standing is particularly important for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) because it plays a significant role in promoting both respiratory and bone health.

Children with DMD gradually lose muscle strength and function, which affects their overall mobility and physical activity levels. By encouraging prolonged standing, it can assist in maintaining respiratory function, as effective lung capacity can be supported by the use of respiratory muscles that are engaged during this posture. Additionally, standing can help promote bone health through weight-bearing activity, which is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. The mechanical stress applied to bones during weight-bearing activities stimulates bone remodeling, which helps to maintain bone strength and reduces the risk of fractures.

In the context of DMD, where muscle weakness is a major concern, maintaining standing positions becomes even more critical to help mitigate potential problems associated with reduced mobility, such as respiratory complications and weaker bones.