Strength training and aerobic exercise training for muscle disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Muscle diseases can lead to disuse atrophy and deconditioning.
• Strength training and aerobic exercise may improve muscle and cardiorespiratory function.
• This review is an update of a 2004 publication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of strength training and aerobic exercise.
• To assess exercise interventions in individuals diagnosed with muscle diseases.

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL up to July 2012.
• Included randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of at least six weeks duration.
• Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data, including adverse events.

Main Results:

• Five trials with 170 participants were included, focusing on myotonic dystrophy, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, FSHD, and mitochondrial myopathy.
• No significant differences in primary/secondary outcomes were found for strength training in myotonic dystrophy or aerobic exercise in polymyositis/dermatomyositis.
• Significant improvements in elbow flexor strength were noted in FSHD, and increased endurance capacity was observed in mitochondrial myopathy with combined training; no adverse events were reported across trials.

Conclusions:

• Strength and aerobic exercise appear safe for myotonic dystrophy, FSHD, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and myotonic dystrophy type I, but evidence of benefit is insufficient.
• Combined aerobic and strength training in mitochondrial myopathy shows potential for improving submaximal endurance capacity.
• Study design limitations hinder broader conclusions for other muscle diseases.