Upper limb weakness in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy--a neglected problem.

The problems of upper limb weakness in young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are not generally appreciated. In a series of 12 young people it was found that the strengths of the shoulder and elbow muscles were approximately 4% of those of a normal control group. A counterweight and a motorised system of arm suspension is described which permits the young person to make proper use of their arms.