Effects of Low-level Mechanical Vibration on Bone Density in Ambulant Children Affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

All children were instructed to have a daily intake of calcium equal to the 100% of the RDA and were supplemented with calcifediol (0.7 mcg/kg/die). The 20 boys were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (mechanical intervention group) = a mechanical device (a small platform designed to induce vertical, sinusoidal acceleration) was installed in the home of each boy of group 1. group 2 (placebo control group) = a placebo device was installed in the home of each boy of group 2 All boys were instructed to stand on the platform for 10 minutes each day for 12 months. Compliance was followed and stimulated through weekly telephone contacts with parents and children.