OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lower limb flexibility on the 
functional performance of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
METHODS: Thirty children, whose functional levels were at 1 or 2 according to 
the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Scale, were included in 
this study. The flexibilities of the hamstrings, hip flexors, tensor fascia 
latae, and gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated in the children's dominant lower 
limbs. The children's functional performance was assessed using 6-minute walk 
tests and timed performance tests. The correlations between the flexibilities of 
the lower limb muscles and the performance tests were examined.
RESULTS: The flexibilities of the lower extremity muscles were found to be 
correlated to the 6-minute walk tests and the timed performance tests. The 
flexibility of the hamstrings (r = -.825), the gastrocnemius muscles (r = .545), 
the hip flexors (r = .481), and the tensor fascia latae (r = .445) were found to 
be correlated with functional performance as measured by the 6-minute walk tests 
(P < .05).
DISCUSSION: The results of the current study indicate that the flexibility of 
the lower limbs has an effect on functional performance in the early stages of 
Duchenne muscular dystrophy. More research is needed to determine the functional 
effects of flexibility on performance by adding long-term flexibility exercises 
to the physiotherapy programs of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.