Presented by Prathyusha Bellam, PT, during the World Muscle Society 2024, this study explores the assessment of upper extremity (UE) in individuals with Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) using both the Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) assessment and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). BMD is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that significantly impacts UE function.
The study aims to:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of PUL and qMRI fat fraction (FF) measures in distinguishing between functional groups of men with BMD and healthy controls.
- Investigate the correlation between PUL scores and qMRI FF.
Key findings indicate that while the PUL assessment is useful for low-functioning individuals with BMD, it may not provide adequate insights for high-functioning patients due to a ceiling effect. In contrast, qMRI FF proves to be a reliable indicator of muscle health across all functional levels, highlighting its importance in monitoring disease progression. The study suggests a cautious approach in using PUL for high-functioning individuals, advocating for the inclusion of qMRI FF in assessments.
