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Lumbopelvic stabilization-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation and urotherapy for lower urinary tract dysfunction in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: a randomized controlled trial

Demet Öztürk, Aynur Ayşe Karaduman, T. Akbayrak

Jornal de Pediatria, 2026

32 participants

Abstract

Objective This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of supervised lumbopelvic stabilization and urotherapy on factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Method The study included 32 children aged 5–12 years, who were ambulatory and had a Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptom Scale (DVISS) of 8.5 or higher. Lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed using the DVISS, a three-day bladder diary, and a nocturnal enuresis diary. Bowel symptoms were assessed with a seven-day bowel diary. Moreover, physical performance tests, the strength of pelvis-related muscle groups, and participation in activities of daily living were evaluated using validated measurement tools. Participants were randomized into two groups: the active control group (n:16, weight:25.81±9.53 kg, height:121.25±18.22 cm) received only urotherapy, while the treatment group (n:16, weight:25.88±9.67 kg, height: 122.69±16.63 cm) additionally performed lumbopelvic stabilization-based exercises for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Results Urotherapy significantly reduced LUTD severity (p 0.05). Supervised lumbopelvic stabilization improved functional mobility (p 0.05). Conclusion Both interventions were effective in improving bladder and bowel outcomes in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and LUTD, with no superiority observed on lower urinary tract symptoms.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 32 participants or records.

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