MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY AND EXERCISE
Muscular dystrophy is a disease of the muscle cell, characterized by decreases in muscular strength, power and endurance. The National Center of Physical Activity and Disability (NCAPD.org) describes the potential benefits of exercise to be:
- Maintenance and improvement in muscular strength for performing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as stair climbing
- Slow the rate of increased weakness or contracture development which can prolong ambulation
- Maintain sufficient respiratory capacity
- Strengthened postural muscles, which can slow the formation of scoliosis
NCAPD advises that you take the following into consideration before starting any exercises for muscular dystrophy:
- Obtain a complete medical evaluation and physician consent before beginning an exercise program.
- Work with your cardiologist to determine cardiovascular complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and right and left ventricular dilation which may limit your ability to exercise or the intensity at which you exercise.
- Obtain a specialized prescription for spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis and lordosis.
- Respiratory problems: be aware of possible complications associated with weakness in the respiratory muscles.
- If you experience exercise-related cramps or fatigue, rest and decrease intensity.
- Log your daily activities so that you can determine the appropriate intensity for your exercise program.
- Set reasonable goals with activities that are fun and game-oriented.
- Nutritional counseling coupled with the exercise program will help prevent weight gain.
Those managing muscular dystrophy can greatly benefit from SIT AND BE FIT exercise programs because they help increase flexibility by focusing on improving range of motion, balance, and coordination.
Recommended SIT AND BE FIT exercises for managing muscular dystrophy (depending on functional abilities):
