IntroductionDystrophinopathies are X‐linked muscle degenerative disorders that result in progressive muscle weakness complicated by bone loss. This study's goal was to evaluate feasibility and tolerability of whole‐body, low‐intensity vibration (WBLIV) and its potential effects on muscle and bone in patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy.MethodsThis 12‐month pilot study included 5 patients (age 5.9–21.7 years) who used a low‐intensity Marodyne LivMD plate vibrating at 30–90 Hz for 10 min/day for the first 6 months. Timed motor function tests, myometry, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months.ResultsMotor function and lower extremity muscle strength remained either unchanged or improved during the intervention phase, followed by deterioration after WBLIV discontinuation. Indices of bone density and geometry remained stable in the tibia.ConclusionsWBLIV was well tolerated and appeared to have a stabilizing effect on lower extremity muscle function and bone measures. Muscle Nerve 55: 875–883, 2017

Research indicates that societal attitudes toward persons with disabilities are largely negative. One approach to negative perception, the socio-cognitive model of stigmatization, states that when compared to emotional or social disabilities, attitudes toward individuals with physical disabilities are more favorable. The purpose of this study was to investigate attitudes toward different types of disabilities: congenital physical, acquired physical, and psychiatric. In particular, attitudes of American college students were compared to the attitudes of Chinese international college students in the United States. Participants completed the Attitudes Toward Persons with Disabilities Scale and a Q-sort by ranking nine cards describing individuals with varying disability types and severities according to preference. It was hypothesized that physical disabilities would be perceived more positively than psychiatric disabilities. Significant differences were found among the three disability types. It also was hypothesized that American participants would view persons with disabilities more positively overall than Chinese participants. However, the Chinese reported significantly higher scores on the ATDP scale, which corresponded with more favorable attitudes toward persons with disabilities.

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