In Becker Muscular Dystrophy, which describes the functional outcome?

• A. Many remain ambulatory into adulthood
• B. Most lose ambulation by adolescence
• C. Most never ambulate
• D. All have severe limitation

Answer: (A)

Becker muscular dystrophy progresses more slowly than Duchenne because the dystrophin defect is partial, so muscle weakness advances at a milder pace. This means many individuals with Becker remain ambulatory into adulthood, with ambulation often preserved for years and sometimes into the 30s or beyond, even though proximal leg and pelvic weakness can develop over time. That pattern fits the statement that many stay ambulatory into adulthood. The other possibilities describe a more severe or earlier loss of walking that is not typical for Becker: loss of ambulation by adolescence is more characteristic of Duchenne, most never walking would be incorrect for Becker, and all having severe limitation is too extreme given the variability and the milder course in many cases.