Duchenneova mišićna distrofija je genetski poremećaj karakteriziran progresivnim slabljenjem svih mišića. Uzrokovana je odsutnošću distrofina, protein citoskeleta, a manifestira se postepenim gubitkom mišićne snage, respiratorne funkcije i kardiomiopatijama. Duchenneova mišićna distrofija pojavljuje se samo u dječaka. Nema kauzalne terapije kod ove vrste distrofije pa fizikalna medicina i rehabilitacija imaju važnu ulogu. Pasivno istezanje zauzima najvžanije mjesto, provodi se od strane fiziotreapeuta i odmah pri dijagnosticiranju. Potpomaže zadržavanju obima pokreta zglobova i produljuje mobilnu fazu pacijenta. Vježbe pravilnoga držanja se, također, provode odmah pri dijagnosticiranju sa ciljem preveniranja nastupa skolioze koja kasnije dovodi do poteškoća s disanjem. U nepokretnoj fazi, kada pacijent više nije u stanju sam hodati ili održavati sjedeći stav, nužne su vježbe disanja jer je zahvaćena i glatka muskulatura respiratornoga sustava. Fizikalna rehabilitacija kod Duchenneove distrofije provodi se programirano, svakodnevno i od strane medicinski obučene osobe te kao takva produljuje i poboljšava kvalitetu života pacijenta.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive weakening of all muscles. It is caused by the absence of dystrophin, the protein of the cytoskeleton, and is manifested by gradual loss of muscle strength, respiratory function and cardiomyopathy. Duchenne muscular dystrophy occurs only in men. There is no causal therapy in this type of dystrophy, so physical medicine and rehabilitation play an important role. Passive stretching takes the most important place, is carried out by a physiotherapist and is immediately diagnosed. It helps maintain the volume of joints and prolongs the mobile phase of the patient. Regular exercise exercises are also carried out immediately in diagnosis with the aim of preventing the occurrence of scoliosis that later results in breathing difficulties. In the immobile stage, when a patient is no longer able to walk or maintain a sitting position, breathing exercises are necessary because the smooth muscle of the respiratory system is affected. Physical rehabilitation with Duchenne Dystrophy is implemented daily by a physically trained person, and as such it extends and improves the patient's quality of life.