Role of physical activity and exercise training in neuromuscular diseases

The objective of the State of the Science Roundtable conference was to provide a responsible assessment of the state of the science regarding exercise training and fatigue in humans and animals with neuromuscular diseases. The conference comprised a nonfederal, nonadvocate, 20-member panel that brought together exercise scientists, neuromuscular disease investigators, and clinicians during a 21/2 day workshop. The literature was searched using MEDLINE, and an extensive bibliography of references was created. Experts in each area presented reviews based on this literature. Scientific evidence was given precedence over clinical anecdotal experience. After the presentations, the panel answered predefined questions and developed conclusions based on the scientific evidence presented in open forum and the scientific literature. The panel presented a draft statement during the conference and produced this revised statement after the conference.