Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common X-linked neuromuscular disorder. After age 10, boys with Duchenne become wheelchair dependent. Standing devices and orthoses are an essential component of their condition management.
 
Therefore, the goal of this review is to assess the effects of standing devices and orthoses (hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses and knee-ankle-foot orthoses) on musculoskeletal impairments in boys and men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and to determine their effect on quality of life and participation. In the review, no randomized controlled trials were identified. The authors retrieved 13 papers, but they were not of good quality and, unfortunately, none met the inclusion criteria. 
 
The current literature on this topic lacks the robust methods of randomized controlled trial design. The current standard of care guidelines for Duchenne muscular dystrophy are based only on expert consensus. They recommend the use of passive or motorised supported standing devices for prevention of contracture and deformity both in the early and late non-ambulatory stages.
 
Further good quality research on this issue is needed.

Comment by María Soriano Micò