Duchenne-Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder affecting 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 6,000 live male births, resulting in difficulties with movement and multi-system implications. The affected physical abilities deteriorate as the child grows up. In many cases, the use of a wheelchair is required at around 10 to 12 years of age, followed by a deterioration of strength in the upper limbs and cardiac complications. During the last decade, the average life expectancy of people with DBMD has risen to their forties. As participation in self-chosen meaningful activities within the community and society is essential to health and well-being, there is a need to address new opportunities for people with DBMD to participate in an independent and fulfilling life. Specifically, this pilot study will examine the effectiveness of the PREP intervention protocol among youth and young adults with DBMD.

A single-subject experimental design with multiple baselines across participants will be used to study the relative effect of the intervention. The intervention will be implemented for 6 participants with DBMD aged 14 to 30 and will be introduced at varying times. Every two participants will be randomly assigned to 3 baseline lengths (4, 5, 6 weeks). By varying the length of the baseline phase across participants, extraneous variables such as maturation and carry-over effects are controlled for. Each participant will work individually with an occupational therapist on one participation goal related to leisure-oriented community-based activity chosen by the young person, on expected eight sessions throughout 12 to 18 weeks (depending on the assigned baseline length). The participants will complete the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure weekly through all study phases (baseline + intervention).

For each participation goal, a series of data points representing the level of goal performance and satisfaction generated from the COPM will be plotted and analyzed to detect change. Visual analysis will be used to identify and compare patterns of change (e.g., level, variability, and trend) between the baseline and intervention phases. A statistical analysis will be used to complement visual interpretation. Specifically, an acceleration line will detect a trend and slope change across intervention phases. This method calculates the proportion of data points falling above and below the line. If 50% are above the line and 50% below the line, this result indicates no treatment effect, whereas significantly more observations falling above the line indicate a change in goal performance.

The research team, comprised of researchers in the field of complex disabilities and transition-aged youth and young adults, has partnered with the Little Steps Association for Children with Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy and is well-positioned to accomplish the study objectives.

This study will draw initial conclusions to support effective approaches that promote the participation of youth and young adults with DBMD in ‘real world’ activities they choose. Findings can also suggest implications such approaches can have on increasing motivation and compliance of people with DBMD to intervention and reducing the burden on the healthcare system, families, and people with DBMD themselves.