Type Duchenne
The type of muscular dystrophy after Duchenne is already evident in childhood and immobility due to the insufficiency of the skeletal muscles occurs in early childhood.Typical for the Duchenne type is the limitation in walking where the children hold their thighs when they stand up (Gowers sign). Since the course is progressive, the muscles gradually atrophy starting from the pelvic girdle. In large parts, the calf muscles are affected, which are important for walking.
As fat and connective tissue is formed from the muscles, the calves of children appear wider. Due to the weak musculature, the children are dependent on a wheelchair. Thus, the muscles of the respiration and the heart are also affected from the age of 12.
As a rule, the children do not reach adulthood. In order to support the mobility of the child, physiotherapy must be included in the treatment. As the therapy for children differs in some points from the therapy for adults, it would be advisable to consult a physiotherapist specialized in the pediatric field. Also the cooperation with the parents is as important as the therapy directly on the child.
Type Becker
The next type of muscular dystrophy is the Becker-Kiener, which in any case shows an atrophy of the musculature. The heart and lungs are also affected and medical treatment is required. The difference to Duchenne is the course of the disease.
Life expectancy is between 35 and 50 years and is much higher than for Duchenne. Also, the disease starts a little later and progresses much more slowly. Patients with this form of the disease have difficulty walking and may also become dependent on a wheelchair in the further course of the disease. Since the phase of life and the activities of adults are different from those of children, physiotherapy is important for maintaining independence in everyday life. Depending on how affected the patient is, activities that are important for him/her are trained and further atrophy is counteracted.
