Calf massage in managing muscle length in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder affecting skeletal muscles, which leads to progressive muscular weakness. It is typically in boys with symptoms of progressive weakness and loss (atrophy) of skeletal and heart muscle. A study from the University of Melbourne in Australia explored the effects of standardized calf massage boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Twenty boys were recruited and completed two study visits, one week apart. At both visits, each leg received a 10-min calf massage treatment and a 10-min control rest period (placebo) in randomized order. Muscle length of calf and hamstrings and gastrocnemius stiffness were measured by a blinded assessor before and after the intervention.

The results show a consistent significant small increase in muscle length of soleus, gastrocnemius and hamstrings post-massage. Gastrocnemius stiffness also decreased. Small changes in gastrocnemius and soleus length only were also recorded following the control rest period. Gait function and general well-being remained stable throughout. The authors suggested that gains in muscle length could be cumulative, thus massage treatment should be continuous.

The authors concluded that calf massage is safe and associated with benefits to muscle length and stiffness for boys with DMD.

Carroll, K., et al. “The effects of calf massage in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a prospective interventional study.” Disability and Rehabilitation (2020): 1-7.