Feasibility, Reliability, Clinical Validity and Sensitivity of Digital Outcomes to Monitor Upper Limb Function in Non-ambulant Patients With Genetically Confirmed Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the absence of dystrophin, leading to progressive muscle degeneration. Symptoms typically begin in early childhood and result in loss of ambulation by early adolescence, followed by cardiorespiratory complications. Although early treatment, including corticosteroids and emerging therapies, can slow disease progression, sensitive tools to monitor functional decline-particularly in non-ambulant patients-remain limited.

Current assessments rely primarily on clinical scales and hospital-based evaluations, which may not detect subtle changes or reflect real-life function. Digital outcome measures derived from wearable sensors offer a promising approach for continuous, objective monitoring in daily life. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, reliability, clinical validity, and sensitivity of digital measures to assess upper limb function in non-ambulant patients with genetically confirmed DMD. The Syde device, previously validated in ambulant DMD patients, will be investigated for its applicability in this population.