Around what age do individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy typically become wheelchair-dependent?

• A. 6–9 years
• B. 12–15 years
• C. 18–22 years
• D. 25–30 years

Answer: (B)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy shows a steady loss of strength in the leg and hip muscles, so independent walking typically ends in early adolescence. The most common window for needing a wheelchair is around the early teenage years, roughly 12 to 15. This reflects the point at which proximal leg weakness and progressive contractures limit mobility enough to require a chair. While individual variation exists—some may need a chair a bit earlier or later—the 12–15-year period is the classic timeframe. Earlier ages would be unusually early for wheelchair dependence, and later ages would be later than the typical course, though modern therapies can shift the timeline somewhat.