Functional Ability and Physical Activity in Hereditary Neuromuscular Diseases

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Physical activity is recognized for its potential health benefits in patients diagnosed with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).
• Understanding the relationship between functional capacity and physical activity levels is essential for optimizing health management in these populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between functional ability, physical activity, and other relevant variables in individuals with LGMD and CMT.
• To categorize participants based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with participants recruited from the Norwegian registry of inherited neuromuscular disorders.
• Functional ability was assessed using the Norwegian version of the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
• Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - short form (IPAQ-sf), with multivariable logistic regression employed for analysis.

Main Results:

• The study included 145 participants (79 with CMT, 66 with LGMD), with 55.6% meeting minimum physical activity recommendations.
• Individuals with moderate to severe functional limitations were significantly more likely to be physically inactive (OR 19.7) compared to those with normal function.
• Mildly decreased functional ability also showed a higher likelihood of physical inactivity (OR 4.1), and higher education was linked to inactivity.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between low functional ability and physical inactivity in both LGMD and CMT patients.
• The link between higher education and inactivity suggests a need for targeted health education on the benefits of physical activity for this demographic.